New Jersey Guide
What to do when someone dies in New Jersey.
A step-by-step guide for families navigating death administration in New Jersey. Covers death certificates, cremation rules, probate, and average costs.
First 24 Hours in New Jersey
Getting a Death Certificate in New Jersey
How many do you need? Plan to order at least 10–12 certified copies. You will need them for banks, insurance companies, government agencies, retirement accounts, and courts. It is much cheaper to order extras upfront than to reorder later.
New Jersey Legal Requirements
New Jersey has an inheritance tax.
Average Funeral Costs in New Jersey
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many death certificates do I need in New Jersey?
Plan for at least 10–12 certified copies. Each financial institution, insurance company, government agency, and court requires its own original certified copy. It costs $25 per copy per copy from the New Jersey Department of Health.
How long does probate take in New Jersey?
Straightforward probate in New Jersey typically takes 6–12 months. Complex estates with disputes or significant assets can take 2–3 years. Estates under $20,000 may qualify for a simplified process.
How soon can cremation happen in New Jersey?
New Jersey requires a 48 hours waiting period before cremation. All paperwork must be completed and signed by the authorized next-of-kin before cremation can proceed.
What happens if someone dies without a will in New Jersey?
If someone dies without a will ("intestate") in New Jersey, the estate is distributed according to state intestacy laws. Generally assets pass to the spouse first, then children, then other relatives in a specific legal order determined by the probate court.