Estate Planning & Probate in Bergen County, New Jersey
Most Bergen County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the Surrogate's Court.
The Probate Process in Bergen County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Bergen County, probate runs through the Surrogate's Court at Two Bergen County Plaza, Suite 5000, Hackensack.
Full Bergen Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Surrogate's Court
Bergen County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Bergen County · County Clerk · John S. Hogan
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$30 for the first page plus $10 for each additional page.
Full recording details →Verified September 7, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Surrogate's Court
Within 60 days after probate of will, personal representative must mail notice to all beneficiaries and persons designated by R. 4:80-1(a)(3). Proof of mailing must be filed with Surrogate within 10 days. Must provide photocopy of 2 forms of ID (driver's license, passport, work ID, etc.) and photocopy of proof of address (utility bill, credit card bill, etc.).
New Jersey Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Bergen County.
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