General Questions
Who is the Monmouth County Surrogate?
Surrogate Maureen T. Raisch
Where is the Monmouth County Surrogate’s Court?
Monmouth County Surrogate Court
Hall of Records
One East Main Street
Freehold, NJ 07728
The office will be closed for the holidays. Please consult the county holiday schedule for more information.
What is the phone number?
Phone: 732-431-7330
What is the Fax number?
Fax: 732-303-7656
What is the email address?
Surrogate@co.monmouth.nj.us
What are the Office Hours at the Monmouth County Surrogate’s Court in Freehold?
Hours - 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Please arrive by 3:30 p.m. so we have ample time to assist you with your needs.
For the office in Freehold - No appointments.
The office is open for walk-in visits from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Our staff is ready to assist you with all matters related to the Surrogate Court. Please arrive by 3:30 p.m. to ensure we have sufficient time to help you.
The office will be closed for the holidays. Please consult the county holiday schedule for more information.
Where are the Surrogate Satellite Offices?
Locations:
Monmouth County Connection
3544 State Highway 66, Neptune
Monmouth County Library, Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury
1001 Route 35, Shrewsbury
Satellite locations are available by appointments only and are limited to specific days. Please email surrogate@co.monmouth.nj.us or call Phone: 732-431-7330 for an appointment.
What form of payment do you accept?
We accept checks, credit cards and money orders. Cash is not accepted.
Please make all checks payable to the Monmouth County Surrogate
How is a check made payable when deposited into the Surrogate’s Intermingled Trust Fund for the benefit of a minor?
Checks deposited into the Surrogate’s Intermingled Trust Fund must be made payable to: Surrogate of Monmouth County Intermingled Trust Fund FBO "minor's name", a minor.
What is a Surrogate?
The Surrogate is the Judge of the Surrogate Court and is a Constitutional Officer elected every five years. In addition to serving as the Judge, the Surrogate also serves as the deputy clerk for the Superior Court in the Chancery Division, Probate Part, Chancery Division, Family Part.
The responsibilities include probing estates with and without a will, reviewing and filing contested estate cases, finalizing adoptions, and appointing guardians for minors who have received funds and guardians for incapacitated individuals. Review and conduct formal accountings, manages an intermingled minor trust funds, and a Guardianship Monitoring Program. For more information, please refer to the "About Us /History" tab.
What are Surety Bonds and How Do They Function in Probate Matters?
In New Jersey, a surety bond is typically required for probate matters when an administrator is appointed to manage an estate. This bond provides a financial guarantee that the administrator will responsibly manage the estate's assets in accordance with the law.
The bond protects the interests of the heirs and beneficiaries by ensuring that if the administrator mismanages funds or fails to fulfill their duties, the surety company will compensate the affected parties. The bond amount is generally based on the value of the estate.
How can I find out if an estate is on record with your office?
You can use the Probate Index Search on this website (LINK) to see if we have anything recorded for that estate, or you can visit our Records Room in the Hall of Records during regular office hours, where you can view/print any probate records on our public computers for the statutory fee of 5 cents per page.
How do I obtain a certified copy of a death certificate?
Certified copies of death certificates are available from local registrars in the municipality where the death occurred.
NJ Department of Health – Vital Statistics
Find a Local Registrar - Department of Health | Vital Statistics | Local Vital Records Offices
What is a Surrogate short certificate?
The short certificate is a document issued by the Surrogate, serving as evidence of the personal representative's authority to transfer or sell any asset solely in the decedent's name.
How do I get more short certificates?
If you’re looking to obtain short certificates, please follow the steps outlined below:
- By visiting our office or submitting a written request.
- Include a check for $5 for each certificate you need, made payable to the Monmouth County Surrogate
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mailing.
Mail your request to: Monmouth County Surrogate Court
Hall of Records
One East Main Street
Freehold, NJ 07728
How many Surrogate short certificates will I need?A short certificate will be needed to transfer or sell every asset in the decedent's name alone. 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.
I am the Power of Attorney agent; does this mean I can access the estate assets when my loved one passes?
No. A power of attorney agent ends upon the death of the individual, and the authority to access estate assets would then be governed by the provisions of the individual's will or the laws of intestacy if there is no will.
What is a will?
A will is a legal document allowing individuals to decide how their real estate and assets, such as bank accounts, stocks, jewelry, furniture, and family heirlooms, will be distributed after death. Creating a will is an essential aspect of estate planning. It can help ensure that your wishes are carried out after your passing. This legal document can also address critical issues such as the guardianship of minor children, arrangements for an incapacitated adult, and funeral instructions. Having a will in place can provide clarity and direction for your loved ones during a difficult time.
Where should you keep your will?
Your will should be stored in a safe location that is easily accessible to your executor in the event of your death. Make sure to inform your executor where it is located. Remember that only an original will can be probated. Additionally, once your will is signed and executed, you should not write on it or make any marks.
Please be aware that if a will is stored in a safe deposit box, it may not be accessible on weekends, late at night, or without a joint holder.
Can I get a copy of a will?
To obtain a copy of a will, start by requesting an estate search of our records. To initiate an estate search, please:
- Mail a written request.
- Sent a check for $10 made payable to the Monmouth County Surrogate
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
If a search determines there is a will, the statutory fee is $3 per page.
OR,
You can access our records room to view/print any probated wills.
The statutory fee is 5 cents per page.
I want to be a guardian for someone that is incapacitated. How can I do this?Adults are declared incapacitated in Superior Court by way of an Order to Show Cause, Verified Complaint, and certain required affidavits. The Court will appoint an independent attorney to represent the alleged incapacitated person. A report is generated, and a plenary hearing may be required.
Please visit our Guardianship page for more information.