Office of the Union County Surrogate

The Surrogate’s office is now open to the general public BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Our office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. 

It is not necessary to appear in person, however, if you prefer to come to this office, please call 908-527-4280 to schedule an appointment.

If you prefer not to appear in person, you can email, mail or fax to 908-351-9212 the information sheet, death certificate, copy of Will and asset page to our office.

If using email, please send all documents to Susan Dinardo at sdinardo@ucnj.org. 

Once received, all paperwork will be reviewed, processed and sent to you or your attorney for signature and returned to this office for filing and preparation of fiduciary documents.

All Superior Court, Chancery Division, Probate Part matters should be handled in a similar manner.  You should mail new Complaints and Orders to Show Cause to the office for review and filing.  Any emergent matters should be emailed directly to Lisa Brophy, Esq. at lbrophy@ucnj.org for review. 

For any additional questions and/or concerns please email Deputy Surrogate, Sharda Badri at sbadri@ucnj.org and Counsel, Lisa Brophy at lbrophy@ucnj.org.

Instructions & Applications

Estate Matters:

• If the decedent has a Last Will & Testament
  • Apply to PROBATE A WILL Instructions for Probate
    • Information Sheet
    • Certified Death Certificate
    • Original Will
• If the decedent does not have a Last Will & Testament
  • Apply for Administration / Affidavit of Surviving Spouse / Affidavit of Next of Kin Instructions for Admin-SS-NK
    • Information Sheet
    • Asset Form
    • Certified Death Certificate
    • Obituary

Guardianship Matters:

• Minor Guardianship
  • Minor Receiving Funds from a personal injury settlement Guardianship Info Sheet
  • Beneficiary of a decedent’s estate Guardianship Info Sheet
• Adult Guardianship
  • Caring for an Incapacitated Adult
    • Application Guardianship of the Person & Property (njcourts.gov)
    • Judgment – Judgment of Incapacity and Appointment of Guardian(s) (njcourts.gov)
    • For Non-Spouse or Parent – Criminal & Civil History (njcourts.gov)
• Caring for an Adult with Special Needs
  • Guardianship of Person & Property
    • Application Guardianship of the Person & Property (njcourts.gov)
    • Judgment – Judgment of Incapacity & Appointment of Guardian(s) (njcourt.gov)
    • For Non-Spouse or Parent – Criminal & Civil History (njcourts.gov)
  • Guardianship of Person Only
    • Application Guardianship of the Person (njcourts.gov)
    • For Non-Spouse or Parent – Criminal & Civil History (njcourts.gov)

Adoption Matters:

• Types of Adoptions
  • Agency Placement
  • Stepparent & Co-Parent
  • Relative
  • Private
  • Foreign
  • Request to UNSEAL AN ADOPTION Unseal Records

James S. LaCorte, Esq.
Surrogate of Union County

I believe I have a responsibility as Surrogate to keep the people of Union County aware of the necessity for estate planning and have therefore prepared this web site for your information.

It is important for you to know if you leave no Will, the laws of New Jersey will determine who shall receive your property. The law makes no distinction as to youth or age, illness or health, wealth or poverty, or any of the many other special circumstances which often vitally affect the well being of your own family, or the special causes that are most important to you. Only through a legal Will can you provide for those you love.

This web site is also provided to inform you of the services to which you are entitled from the Union County Surrogate’s Office.

Please be assured that my staff and I are here to advise and assist you in any matter pertaining to these services. Our office is located on the Second Floor, Old Annex, Union County Court House, 2 Broad St., Elizabeth, New Jersey. If we can be of any help to you, if you have a question, or if you wish to arrange a date to have the Surrogate speak before your club or organization, contact us at this office or call 908-527-4280.

Please Note

Legal forms downloaded from any other County Surrogate websites and changed in any way to make them appear as if prepared by the Union County Surrogate Court will not be accepted and may subject the proponent to possible criminal charges.

James S. LaCorte, Surrogate of Union County