Probate a Will

Need to probate a will? Do it in-person, online, or by mail.

In person

Make an in-person appointment by calling 973-285-6500. COVID guidelines will be followed and advised when making the appointment

Documents you must bring include:

  • Certified Death Certificate
  • Original Will with any codicils
  • Payment (By cash or check)

Online

You can now file online using eProbate. Visit the eProbate website to submit your information.

eProbate can only be completed by uploading required documents such as the Death Certificate and the Will.

If you do not have the ability to upload these documents with the case filing, please use an alternative Method to probate your case such as an in person appointment or by mail.

Once the information is processed, you will be contacted by a Probate Clerk from the Morris County Surrogate’s Office.

(If you have previously filed a probate for this decedent and need additional support, please use Form A and Form B - see the Mail tab - or call the Surrogate’s Court for assistance at 973-285-6500.)

Mail

Please note that since you are sending original documents, please send so that the package can be tracked either certified mail or overnight mail.

Please complete either Form A (When there Is a Will)(PDF, 156KB) or Form B (When there is not a Will)(PDF, 139KB) and send to:

Morris County Surrogate
10 Court Street
Morristown, NJ 07963-0900

Along with:

  • Certified Copy of the Death Certificate, and
  • Original Will with any Codicils

What does probate mean?

Probating a will refers to the legal process through which the authenticity of a will is established. Once probated, a will becomes a permanent part of the county records.

How do I probate a will?

Upon death, there are certain steps to be taken to ensure the smooth probate of a will.

  1. Locate the decedent’s original will.
  2. Present a correct death certificate with raised seal, names and addresses of persons named in the will, and the names and addresses of all next of kin to the Surrogate Court. If the will is self-proving, it can be probated within a very short time. If the will is not self-proving, one of the witnesses to the will must come to the Surrogate Court or present proof of their signature.
  3. Within sixty days of the will’s probate, the executor shall notify all the heirs and beneficiaries named in the will, with proof sent to the Surrogate’s Court.

The Social Security Office, Veterans’ Administration and employer of the decedent also should be contacted to determine any benefits due the decedent.

What to bring to Surrogate Court when probating a will

  1. A certified copy of a death certificate;
  2. An original will.*
  3. Please be advised that there are Court costs to probating a will. You are advised to bring at least $200 in check or cash to Court.

* If an original will cannot be located, the will, to be admitted to probate, must be formally admitted through proceedings in Superior Court.

B. If the decedent dies without a will:

  1. A certified death certificate;
  2. Renunciations, if applicable, from parties not willing to serve as administrator.

Surrogate Certificate

A Surrogate Certificate is a document confirming that the will has been probated, and an Executor/Administrator has been appointed.

Call 973-285-6500 for an updated Surrogate Certificate.

Contact Us

Phone

973-285-6500

Fax

973-829-8599

Email

[email protected]

Location

Morris County Surrogate Court
10 Court St, Fifth Floor
Morristown
07960
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