Surrogate Heather J. Darling, Esq.
Probate a Will
Latest News
November 13 “Surrogate Session:” Watch the recording!
Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling dedicated her monthly Surrogate’s Session to how to help people burdened by Alzheimer’s and offer caregivers and families access to resources that may offer peace of mind. Watch the recording below:
October 23 “Surrogate Session:” Watch the recording!
Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling continued the series of virtual “Surrogate’s Sessions” she launched in September, with the second session on October 23 entitled, “What should an Executor Know.”
In-Person Probate Appointments Resume October 5
Effective Monday, October 5, 2020, the Morris County Surrogate’s Office will begin accepting appointments for in-person probate in our newly designed COVID-19 compliant probate rooms for those who wish to complete probate in person.
- Appointments will be scheduled in advance by calling the Morris County Surrogate’s Office at 973-285-6500.
- No walk-in appointments will be permitted.
- In-person appointments will be limited to two persons.
- No one under the age of 18 will be permitted in the appointment
- Only you and one other person (including your attorney) are allowed entry into the Records and Administration Building, without exception.
- Upon arrival at the building, everyone is required to go through all standard screening procedures, including passing through a metal detector and a temperature screening.
- Masks are absolutely required at all times while you are inside the building.
- If for medical reasons you are prohibited from wearing a mask, we welcome you to utilize other probate options, including phone and mail. Full on-line probate services will be available in November.
- If you are not feeling well the day before your appointment, or are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms, we ask that you reschedule the appointment.
Thank you.
September 24 “Surrogate Session:” Watch the recording!
The Surrogate Sessions are designed to provide Morris County residents with information on pertinent topics related to wills, estates, trusts, and probate matters. They will also detail improvements in Surrogate’s Office procedures that are making it easier for clients to get their issues handled.
Watch the Surrogate Session from September 24:
Download A Citizen’s Guide to Wills, Trusts, and Estates
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does “probate” mean?
- How do I probate a will in Morris County?
- How can I get a copy of a will?
- What is a surrogate certificate, and how can I get mine updated?
- What do I do if an estate has unclaimed property?
Important Notices
Any fees must be paid by cash or check only. The Surrogate’s Court does not accept credit cards.
The Morris County Surrogate’s Court does not give legal advice.
About the Morris County Surrogate’s Court
A surrogate is a judicial officer, elected by the people, having jurisdiction over the probate of wills, the administration of estates, and more.
Surrogate Heather Darling was first elected to serve the residents of Morris County in 2019. Each term of office is five years. The full title of the office is “Judge of the Surrogate Court.”
Learn more about the Surrogate Court, and contact us with your questions.