How Do I File Probate in Burlington County, New Jersey?
A step-by-step guide to filing at the Surrogate's Court—what documents you'll need, where to go, and what happens after you file.
Probate cases in Burlington County are filed at the Surrogate's Court. File in person during business hours or by mail.
Filings here are routed through Probate / Administration Services, Superior Court Estate Litigation, Adoptions & Minors' Funds, Superior Court Guardianships, and Minors' Funds. Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.
Your Filing Options
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
Can You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Factors like estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree can determine if self-filing at the Surrogate's Court is realistic for your situation.
Get the Burlington County probate forms →For a detailed cost comparison and filing checklist, see the full Burlington County Self-Filing Assessment.
Burlington County Filing Requirements
These are specific requirements for filing probate in this county. Following these guidelines will help avoid delays or rejected filings.
Before You File
Information sheets filed by mail or courier with certified death certificate
Complete the Probate Information Sheet or Administration Information Sheet (PDF) and send via certified mail, FedEx, or UPS with a certified death certificate. A staff member then calls to schedule an in-person execution appointment for NJ-resident personal representatives; for out-of-state administrators, staff call to confirm the information and mail the documents for signature.
SourceCourt Appearances
Court matters routed to specific clerks
Superior Court estate litigation, adoptions, and minors' funds matters are directed to (609) 265-5235 / tboyle@co.burlington.nj.us. Superior Court guardianship matters are directed to (609) 265-5201 / tbathke@co.burlington.nj.us.
SourceIn-Person Filing
The Surrogate's Court is located at 50 Rancocas Road, 1st Floor, Mount Holly, NJ 08060. Phone: 609-265-5005. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
Before You Go
Appointment required
An appointment is required to file in person. Business is conducted on an appointment basis (in-person, telephone, email, regular mail). Probate and administration appointments are in-person for personal representatives who reside in New Jersey. Call 609-265-5005 to schedule. Expect a 24-36 hour response to calls/emails.
What to Bring
To file at the Surrogate's Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Court Resources
Additional resources, forms, and fee schedules are available on the Surrogate's Court website.
Court information verified June 2, 2026 · Source
Frequently Asked Questions
You open probate by filing a petition with the Surrogate's Court in Burlington County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee ($100). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
At minimum: petition for probate, application for letters testamentary or of administration, notice to heirs, and an oath for the personal representative. Burlington County uses the standard New Jersey probate forms — the court's website lists the current versions.
New Jersey permits self-representation, but formal probate procedures make it impractical for most families. The Surrogate's Court staff can accept filings but cannot give legal advice. Check the New Jersey self-filing assessment before deciding.
Burlington County typically requires in-person or mail filing for probate petitions. Check the court's website for the latest procedures — some counties have added e-filing for specific document types.
Assets stay locked, creditors can still pursue them, and beneficiaries cannot sell real property or close accounts. After a few years, interested parties can petition to open probate themselves. Waiting rarely helps. Families who set up a revocable living trust ahead of time bypass this problem entirely.
Surrogate's Court
Burlington County
50 Rancocas Road, 1st Floor
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
Phone:
609-265-5005Fax:
609-261-4511
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Paper Filing Available
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Named as Executor
Being named executor means navigating probate, managing assets, and distributing the estate. What's expected, what you can charge, and how to start.
Learn more
Death of a Parent
Losing a parent is overwhelming. What needs to happen next — settling the estate, navigating probate, and the steps to move forward.
Learn more
