A surrogate is a Constitutional Officer who is elected every five years. The Surrogate serves as Deputy Clerk of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Probate Part, and Chancery Division Family Part for adoptions, as well as Judge of the Surrogate's Court. Responsibilities include: •
The Surrogate's Office is by appointment only. If you need an appointment, please click below to schedule at our main office in New Brunswick. If you need any special accommodations for your appointment, please call our office at 732-745-3055 to make appointment over the phone.
A Short Certificate is the document issued by the Surrogate. The executor will use the Short Certificate as proof of their authority to transfer or sell the decedent's assets. A Short Certificate is needed for the transfer or sale of any asset that is solely in the decedent's name.
Once you determine the number of assets, that will indicate how many Surrogate short certificates are needed. Typically, a short certificate is valid for up to a year. However, some financial institutions will only accept one dated within 60 days.
The Surrogate, a Judge of this Court by New Jersey Constitution, is the person who passes on the validity of a Will, gives the executor proof of authority to administer the estate and sees to it that the executor handles the estate properly.
If you need additional help or documents from the Surrogate's Office, such as a Surrogate Certificate (a document confirming that the will has been probated, and an Executor/Administrator has been appointed), please call us at 973-285-6500.
A Short Certificate is the document issued by the Surrogate. The executor will use the Short Certificate as proof of their authority to transfer or sell the decedent's assets. A Short Certificate is needed for the transfer or sale of any asset that is solely in the decedent's name.
Where do I get a Surrogate certificate in NJ? If you need additional help or documents from the Surrogate's Office, such as a Surrogate Certificate (a document confirming that the will has been probated, and an Executor/Administrator has been appointed), please call us at 973-285-6500.
The procedure may be initiated in the Surrogate's Court earlier but the issuance of short certificates will not occur until the 11th day. This 10-day period allows for the filing of a caveat by an heir at law or beneficiary in a prior last Will.