Probate Attorney in Elizabeth, New Jersey

Find the right Probate Attorney attorney in Elizabeth, NJ

Elizabeth, New Jersey has a legal process known as "probate." This is when a court decides whether or not a will is valid, and, accordingly, whether or not to effectuate its provisions.

As part of the probate procedure, the court in Elizabeth, New Jersey will determine the validity of the will, inventory the decedent's assets and debts, then, assuming everything is found to be in order, distribute the estate according to the will.

Usually, the executor of the estate is named in the will. However, if nobody is named as an executor, the probate court in Elizabeth, New Jersey will appoint an administrator to serve the role as the executor. This is usually the closest adult relative of the decedent, or the person who stands to inherit the most.

The executor is the person responsible for initiating the probate proceedings. The person who would inherit the most from the will is appointed, because they have the greatest incentive to move the process along as quickly as possible, so they can get their inheritance.

Duties of the Executor in Elizabeth, New Jersey

The executor has many duties concerning the will. First, they have to actually initiate the probate proceedings, which must be completed before the will is effectuated.

Additionally, the executor has to make sure that the decedent's relatives and other people named in the will have notice of the testator's death, usually through the filing of a copy of the official death certificate.

Executors are also required to make available an accounting of the testator's debts and assets, so their affairs can be wound up, along with a list of everyone who is named in the will, or otherwise stands to inherit.

Furthermore, the executor is required to take a leading role in proving the validity of the will. The executor obviously has an incentive to see the process through, since they cannot inherit until probate is complete.

How Can A Elizabeth, New Jersey Lawyer Help?

Because this process can be fairly complicated, it is not a bad idea to consult with a good probate lawyer in Elizabeth, New Jersey, especially if you find yourself as the executor of an estate and don't know how to proceed.

Talk to a Wills, Trusts & Estates Law Attorney now!

Life in Elizabeth

Elizabeth, New Jersey is located in Union County and has a population of over 124,000 people. Elizabeth is the 4th largest city in New Jersey and also serves as the county seat for Union County. In 2008, Popular Science Magazine rated Elizabeth, New Jersey as one of the 50 Greenest Cities in America. It is also one of the nation's oldest cities, being founded in the year 1655 and incorporated in March of 1855.

The city of Elizabeth, New Jersey is an unique combination of business and residential developments. A few examples of Elizabeth's major employers include Bayway Refinery and Newark Liberty International Airport. The Jersey Gardens outlet mall and the Elizabeth Center also generate large amounts of revenue.

Elizabeth, New Jersey is filled with U.S. historical landmarks. Residents and tourists can learn about American history at places such as Liberty Hall Museum. Liberty Hall is a historic mansion built in 1772 by William Livingston, one of the signers of the U.S. Constitution. Many notable U.S. persons were born and raised in Elizabeth, such as author Judy Blume and Poet Joe Weil.

Lawyers in Elizabeth, New Jersey offer assistance for a variety of legal matters and issues. The Union County Courthouse Complex is located in Elizabeth. Many Elizabeth attorneys resolve legal disputes at the courthouse.

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Regel B.
Regel B.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Caldwell, LA

Brad M.
Brad M.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Sussex, NJ

David L.
David L.

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Ashland, OH