Any matters heard in the above court are filed with the Surrogate's Office. The matters range from filing proceedings to have a guardian appointed for an incapacitated person, an action to compel an Executor or Administrator to an accounting and a request for the removal of an Executor or Administrator.
Helpful Information for Filing Applications in NJ Superior Court:
The Surrogate Court is a Court of limited jurisdiction. Should a dispute arise, the Surrogate may not act. The parties must seek resolution of the dispute in New Jersey Superior Court.
Probate litigation is heard by the Superior Court of New Jersey Chancery Division, Probate Part, The Honorable James E. Rafferty J.S.C.
All actions are commenced by filing a verified complaint and order to show cause pursuant to R. 4:83 and R. 4:67 of the Rules Governing the Courts of the State of New Jersey.
The following is a list of the Probate Court Dates:
1.
December 11
2.
January 15
3.
January 29
4.
February 11
5.
February 26
6.
March 12
7.
March 26
8.
April 9
9.
April 23
10.
May 7
Probate matters are usually heard two Fridays a month commencing at 9:00 a.m. It is best to send your papers to our office and we will advise you of the hearing date. However, you may call our office and ask what our probate dates are, especially when filing a Notice of Motion.
Important Information and Phone Numbers
Honorable James E. Rafferty
19 N. Broad St.
Courtroom 203
Woodbury, NJ 08096
Surrogate Helene M. Reed
17 N. Broad St.
Woodbury, NJ 08096
Judge's Secretary: (856) 853-3479
Judge's Secretary Fax: (856) 848-6569
Deputy Surrogate: (856) 853-3284
Deputy Surrogate Fax: (856) 853-3311
Judge's Law Clerk: (856) 853-3488
For Transcript Requests please contact: (856) 853-3205
Gloucester County Bar Association please contact: (856)-853-4589
Lawyer Referral please contact: (856)-848-4071
Filing Fees
Complaint and Order to Show Cause
$175.00
Answer
$110.00
Notice of Motion
$15.00
Guardianship for Alleged Incapacitated Person
$200.00
The following is a checklist for Guardianship Proceedings:
Filing Requirements
Verified Complaint
Plaintiff's Affidavit (or Certification) of real and personal property
Physicians' Affidavit
Note: 2 physicians OR 1 physician & 1 psychologist OR Affidavit of physician endeavored to examine.
Note: Exams must be within 30 days of filing date
If seeking approval for sale of real property - must file Real Estate Appraisers' Affidavits. Need two Affidavits.
Note: Must be certified or licensed real estate appraisers
Order for hearing- to include appointment by court of Counsel for AIP
Upon Receipt of Executed Order for Hearing
*at least 20 days prior to hearing date
Personal service of notice of proceedings on AIP
Service on persons in interest including court-appointed counsel for AIP
File and Serve Prior to Hearing
*at least 5 days prior to hearing
Include court-appointed counsel for AIP for service
Certification of Personal Service on AIP
Certification of Proof of Service on persons in interest & counsel AIP
Proposed form of Judgment Declaring incapacitation and Appointment of Guardian and other relief pertinent to complaint
Certification of Counsel fees and costs
Actions Upon Entry of Judgment
Meet with Guardian to review statutory obligations and those detailed under the judgment, including below filing requirements
File Guardian's inventory of Assets- within 60 days of judgment
Calendar all deadlines under Judgment
Calendar status reviews with Guardian during first year after appointment.
(45 days; 90 days; 6 months; one year)
Any questions you may have regarding Superior Court, Probate matters may be directed to the Deputy Surrogate at 856-853-3284.
The Surrogate Court is a Court of limited jurisdiction. Should a dispute arise, the Surrogate may not act. The parties must seek resolution of the dispute in New Jersey Superior Court. 
