Salem County Surrogate Court

856.935.7510 x8323
Use Our Contact Form

Mon – Fri : 8:30am – 4:30pm
Call for Appointment

Translate this Page:

What to Do First

  1. Contact Social Security
  2. Locate the decedent’s Last Will & Testament
  3. If the decedent was a veteran, investigate veteran’s benefits.
  4. Death Certificate – obtain death certificates with raised seal.
  5. Estate Assets: secure estate assets, such as the home, vehicles, valuables.
  6. Create a list of all estate assets such as real estate, financial institutions, credit unions, stocks, insurance policies, vehicles, etc.
  7. Checklist – compile a list of estate debts such as mortgages, loans, medical expenses, credit accounts, utility bills, etc.

What to Do First: A Primer on Probate & Administrations (updated May 2024) – an information pamplet to help you through the process

IF YOUR LOVED ONE HAS A LAST WILL & TESTAMENT

The “named” executor in the will must bring the following items to the Surrogate’s Court to qualify as executor:

  • ORIGINAL Last Will & Testament (not a photo copy)
  • Death Certificate with raised seal
  • Personal check, money order, or cash for filing fee (see “Fee Schedule of Services” for approximate amount.)
  • Please note Salem County does not accept credit or debit cards.

EXECUTOR: please review and complete the following or you may complete in our office:

Probate Fact Sheet (updated August 2024) – (decedent has a Will). This includes all required information for Probate of the Will.

The executor can be appointed on day 12, however, you may apply to our office at any time prior. (count date of death-example: date of death is January 1, Probate can be issued on January 12)

It is recommended you contact our office become you come to assure you have all required items. (856) 935-7510 extension 8323
NOTE: A Power of Attorney’s authority ends at the death of your loved one.

IF YOUR LOVED ONE DOES NOT HAVE A LAST WILL & TESTAMENT

The person who will apply as Administrator of the Estate – Please review and complete the following or you may complete in our office.

Administration Fact Sheet (updated August 2024)  – estate information when the decedent did not have a Will

Affidavit of Assets & Debts (updated Nov. 2022) – required when decedent did not have a Will

All estates are handled via a scheduled appointment. Call our office at (856) 935-7510 ext. 8323 to schedule your appointment. You may also send an e-mail to .

Please bring the following items with you to the Surrogate’s Court:

  • Death Certificate with raised seal
  • Personal check, money order, or cash for filing fee (see “Fee Schedule of Services” for approximate amount.)
  • Please note Salem County does not accept credit or debit cards.
  • Review our pamphlet: What to Do First: A Primer on Probate & Administrations
  • It is recommended you contact our office before you come to assure you have all required items. (856) 935-7510 extension 8323