What to Do When Someone Dies in New Jersey
A complete guide to death certificates, probate, estate taxes, and funeral costs in New Jersey. Everything you need to know about handling a death in the state of New Jersey.
Quick Facts: New Jersey
Death Certificates in New Jersey
Cost Per Certified Copy
The first certified copy costs $25. Additional copies cost $10 each.
How Many to Order
We recommend ordering 10 to 15 copies. Banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, the DMV, employers, and other institutions typically require original certified copies. Ordering extras upfront saves time and money compared to requesting more later. Ten copies in New Jersey would cost approximately $115.
Where to Order
Death certificates in New Jersey are issued by the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. Your funeral home will typically order the initial copies for you as part of their services.
Visit New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and RegistryFiling Deadline
In New Jersey, a death must be registered within 5 days. The funeral home or attending physician typically handles the filing.
Probate in New Jersey
Small Estate Threshold
Estates valued under $20,000 may qualify for simplified probate or a small estate affidavit. Estates under $20,000 may use small estate procedure if all beneficiaries agree.
Probate Court
Probate in New Jersey is handled by the Surrogate's Court (Superior Court for disputes).
Visit Surrogate's Court (Superior Court for disputes) websiteTypical Timeline
Probate in New Jersey typically takes 9-18 months. The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the estate, whether anyone contests the will, and the court's caseload.
Small Estate Affidavit
If the estate is valued below the small estate threshold of $20,000, you may be able to use a small estate affidavit instead of going through formal probate. This is a simplified process that allows heirs to collect assets by presenting a sworn statement to banks and other institutions. Waiting periods and specific requirements vary, so check with the Surrogate's Court (Superior Court for disputes) in your county for exact procedures.
Uniform Probate Code State
New Jersey has adopted the Uniform Probate Code (UPC), which standardizes and simplifies probate procedures. UPC states generally offer more streamlined processes, including simplified procedures for small estates and informal probate options.
Estate and Inheritance Tax in New Jersey
State Inheritance Tax
New Jersey has an inheritance tax. New Jersey taxes inheritances to non-exempt beneficiaries at 11-16%. Surviving spouses, children, grandchildren, parents, and grandparents are exempt (Class A). Siblings and spouses of children are Class C (11-16% above $25,000). Unrelated beneficiaries are Class D (15-16% above $0). Unlike estate tax (which is paid by the estate), inheritance tax is paid by the individual beneficiaries. The rate usually depends on the relationship between the beneficiary and the deceased. Spouses are typically exempt, and close relatives usually pay lower rates than more distant relatives or non-relatives.
Federal Estate Tax
Regardless of state taxes, the federal estate tax applies to estates exceeding $13.61 million (2024 threshold). The federal estate tax return (Form 706) is due 9 months after the date of death. Most estates fall well below this threshold and owe no federal estate tax.
Key Things to Know in New Jersey
Uniform Probate Code
New Jersey follows the Uniform Probate Code, which provides a standardized and generally more efficient probate process. Benefits include informal probate options, simplified small estate procedures, and consistent rules for intestate succession (when someone dies without a will).
State-Specific Notes
New Jersey eliminated its estate tax in 2018 but retained its inheritance tax. Each county has a Surrogate who handles routine probate matters. Contested matters are transferred to the Superior Court. The inheritance tax is based on the relationship of the beneficiary to the deceased.
Funeral Costs in New Jersey
These are median costs in New Jersey. Actual costs vary significantly based on the funeral home, location within the state, and services selected. Under the FTC Funeral Rule, funeral homes must provide itemized pricing when you ask. You are not required to purchase a package and can choose individual services.
Major Cities in New Jersey
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Probate Guide
How probate works, when you can skip it, and what it costs in your state.
Estate Tax
Federal and state estate tax thresholds, exemptions, and filing deadlines.
Funeral Costs
Average funeral costs by type and practical ways to reduce expenses.
Master Checklist
Track every task from day one through closing the estate.