When a family member dies, there’s more to attend to than funeral arrangements. New Jersey probate laws govern the collection and distribution of a decedent’s assets (called their “estate”) to heirs and successors. But don’t be daunted by what seems like the complicated world of New Jersey probate – many probate procedures are easy enough to take on without a lawyer.
Bypassing New Jersey Probate
The best news is that some property does not have to go through the New Jersey probate system at all. Applicable property includes that which is subject to joint tenancy (owned by two or more persons, one of whom is usually a surviving spouse), such as bank accounts, cars, or a house. In addition, living trusts which designate a clear beneficiary may not have to go through New Jersey probate.
Additional New Jersey Probate Resources
New Jersey Probate Court(search Title 3 Administration of Estates)
Also, see our article on New Jersey Probate Procedure