Probate of Will

Probate of a Will is the legal process which the Surrogate establishes the validity of the will and appoints the Executor. An estate is opened in the County where the decedent resided at the time of death. If the decedent has titled assets in their name alone, like bank accounts, motor vehicles, real estate, stocks, etc., probating the will enables the Executor to transfer to these assets.

The Executor must bring to the office:

1. The original will with the original signatures.
2. Certified copy of the death certificate
3. Identification
4. Cash, check, or money order. We do not accept credit cards or debit cards. 
5. If the first named Executor is deceased, bring their original death certificate, also. 

Short Certificates

If the Will is valid, the Executor will be appointed by the Surrogate and given the authority to transfer the decedent's assets by the way of short certificates. 

A short certificate is the document issued by the Surrogate the Executor will use as proof of their authority to transfer or sell the decedent's assets. A short certificate will be needed for the transfer or sale of any asset in the decedent's name alone. 

Fees

The Will may be offered for Probate anytime after the death occurs; however, the Surrogate cannot complete probate until the eleventh day after death. Please be advised that the fee for the probating a Will starts at $100.00. Please see the fees section of this website for the exact cost. We only accept cash, check, or money order.