Probate & Estate Administration

The process of the probate and administration of an estate upon death of a loved one is often confusing and stressful, although necessary.  We assist our clients during this stressful and difficult in addressing these needs, seeking to make it as easy as possible under the circumstances.

Probate is the procedure of applying to the surrogate of the county wherein the decedent resided to qualify a personal representative (executor, in the case of a will; administrator, in the case of no will) of the estate. In New Jersey, this process is very simple and costs less than $500.

Estate administration includes the process of gathering the decedent’s assets and liabilities, satisfying all debts and expenses, filing death tax returns if necessary, paying the taxes, if any, and distributing the remainder of the estate in accordance with the decedent’s will or, in the case of an intestacy, according to the applicable statutes.

In the course of administering an estate, several tax and non-tax decisions will have to be made. An experienced attorney can help you understand the law and make the decisions that are most appropriate and beneficial for you and your family.