Overview
Camden County is located in New Jersey with a population of approximately 533,988. The Camden County Surrogate's Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
New Jersey probate is governed by Title 3B of the New Jersey Statutes. The process begins with filing an Application for Probate to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
New Jersey offers simplified procedures for small estates. If the estate value does not exceed $50,000 and the surviving spouse is the sole heir, an Affidavit of Surviving Spouse may be filed. If there is no surviving spouse and the estate value does not exceed $20,000, an Affidavit of Next of Kin may be used.
New Jersey does not have a statutory fee schedule based on a percentage of the estate for attorneys; fees must be reasonable. Executors are entitled to statutory commissions based on the size of the estate (e.g., 5% on the first $200,000).
This guide provides an informational overview of the Camden County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Camden County Surrogate's Court
Probate matters in Camden County are handled at the Camden County Surrogate's Court. The current Surrogate is Michelle Gentek-Mayer.
Main Location:
Address: 509 Lakeland Road, Blackwood, NJ 08012
Phone: (856) 225-7282 (Surrogate's Office)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Satellite Location:
Address: Camden City Hall of Justice, 101 S 5th Street, Camden, NJ 08103
Note: Documents are not issued same-day at the satellite location.
The Surrogate's Court is located in the Lakeland Complex in Blackwood, which serves as the primary location for probate filings and administration. The court operates by appointment only. Out of respect to clients with an appointment, walk-ins are not accepted. Call (856) 225-7282 to schedule an appointment.
Parking and Access
Free parking is generally available at the Lakeland Complex. The building is accessible to the public.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Affidavit of Surviving Spouse: If the estate is valued at $50,000 or less and passes to the surviving spouse.
- Affidavit of Next of Kin: If the estate is valued at $20,000 or less and there is no surviving spouse.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file an Application for Probate with the Camden County Surrogate's Court. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- List of heirs and next of kin
- Filing fee ($100 for probate of will; $125 for Letters of Administration)
- Fact Sheet (local form)
Note: New Jersey requires the original will to be filed. E-filing is available for members of the Bar through the Camden County e-filing system at https://efile.cbs-nj.com/webfactsheet.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of probate to all beneficiaries, heirs, and next of kin within 60 days of the will being probated (Rule 4:80-6).
- Publish notice generally not required for creditors in New Jersey, but may be required for unknown heirs in the Courier-Post if applicable.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
Probate in New Jersey is often an administrative process handled by the Surrogate's staff without a formal court hearing, unless the will is contested. If uncontested, the Surrogate issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration after the 10-day waiting period from the date of death.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (claims must be made within 9 months of death)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months (if required)
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns (including NJ Inheritance Tax if applicable)
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Refunding Bond and Release for each beneficiary to close the estate
Local Requirements
Camden County-Specific Procedures
- Original Will: The Surrogate requires the original Last Will and Testament; copies are generally not accepted for initial probate.
- 10-Day Waiting Period: Probate cannot be completed until 10 days have passed since the decedent's death.
- Appointments Required: The court operates by appointment only. Call (856) 225-7282 to schedule an appointment for probate. Walk-ins are not accepted.
- E-Filing: E-filing is available for members of the Bar at https://efile.cbs-nj.com/webfactsheet.
- Publication: Publication of a Notice to Creditors is not mandatory in New Jersey but can be done to protect the executor. If required for other reasons, the Courier-Post is the newspaper of general circulation.
Check with the Surrogate's Office for the most current "Fact Sheet" or information sheet required at filing.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Camden County)
- Probate of Will (up to 2 pages): approximately $100.00
- Letters of Administration (intestate estates): approximately $125.00
- Each additional page: approximately $5.00
- Certified copies of Letters (Short Certificates): approximately $5.00 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper (if required)
- Renunciations: approximately $5.00
Executor commissions are set by statute: 5% on the first $200,000; 3.5% on the excess over $200,000 up to $1 million; and 2% on the excess over $1 million.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks (made payable to "Camden County Surrogate"), and money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 9-12 months
- Average estates: 12-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
Creditors have 9 months from the date of death to file claims. The estate generally cannot be fully closed until this period expires and tax clearance is received.
Local Resources
Camden County Court Resources
- Court Website: Camden County Surrogate's Court
- E-Filing System: Camden County E-Filing
- Probate Self-Help: NJ Courts Self-Help Center
- New Jersey Probate Forms: NJ Judiciary Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Camden County Bar Association: (856) 482-0620 — Lawyer Referral Service
- South Jersey Legal Services: (800) 496-4570 — Free legal services for low-income residents
- New Jersey State Bar Association: njsba.com
Publication
- Courier-Post: (888) 516-9220 — Newspaper of general circulation
- The Star-Ledger: (973) 392-4100 — Statewide circulation