Probating a Will in Bergen County During the COVID-19 Emergency

As Bergen County has become the epicenter of COVID-19 in New Jersey, families find themselves in need of guidance through the legal process following their loved one’s death. Estates are not currently probated with a Surrogate Court Probate Clerk in attendance. However, a new temporary process that allows the probate of a Last Will and Testament during these unprecedented times have been instituted to ensure that estates can still be administered while practicing social distancing. The attorneys at Price, Meese, Shulman, & D’Arminio, P.C. are ready and able to assist you and your family through these unprecedented times.

Temporarily, the Surrogate will accept, via email or facsimile, a completed will fact sheet, the Last Will and Testament (the original will be required, but a copy may be produced initially); copies of two forms of identification (one of which must be a valid government issued photo identification), a valid social security number, and proof of address indicating current address (such as a utility bill, property tax bill, credit card bill, etc.). Upon receipt of these documents, qualification papers will be prepared and sent to us with an appointment scheduled for virtual qualification via Webex. The originals of the above forms of identification must be made available during the videoconference. Upon conclusion, all signed qualification papers and other documents must then be mailed to the Surrogate’s Office, along with payment of the Surrogate’s fees. Upon receipt of the documentation, Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration will be issued.

This temporary accommodation will expire immediately upon the lifting of the state of emergency in New Jersey by Governor Murphy, or upon further order of Bergen County’s Assignment Judge, whichever comes first.

Renee A. Fatovic is Of Counsel with Price, Meese, Shulman & D’Arminio, P.C. and can be reached at rfatovic@pricemeese.com or 201-391-3737.