The word "surrogate" means "one who speaks for another." In New Jersey, the surrogate is a judicial officer, elected by the people, having jurisdiction over the probate of wlls, the administration of estates, appointment of guardians over the person or their property, and more. The county Surrogate appoints an administrator to an estate where there is no will.
Each county has a Surrogate's Court and the surrogate is the judge of that court. He or she is elected for a term of five years, pursuant to the New Jersey Constitution.
Below are links to the county surrogates' offices in the New Jersey counties where our law firm primarily practices.
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