The Surrogate’s Office is transitioning to an appointment-based system. Please contact the office for availability and to schedule your appointment. Walk-in clients are welcome, subject to availability.
Office of the
Union County Surrogate
2 Broad Street, Old Annex 2nd Floor, Elizabeth, NJ 07207
Phone: 908-527-4280 | Fax: 908-351-9212
Email: UCSurrogate@ucnj.org
Christopher E. Hudak, Esq.
The Surrogate’s office is open to the general public
The Surrogate’s Office is transitioning to an appointment-based system. Contact our office to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are preferred in order to serve our residents most effectively.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
- No probate appointments will be scheduled between the hours of 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
In Order to probate a Will or be appointed the representative of an intestate estate, you must appear in person (unless you live out of state). If you reside out of state, please contact this office either via email at: UCSurrogate@ucnj.org or by calling 908-527-4280
Webinar on the Importance of Guardianship
May 17, 2023 07:00 PM
Attention parents, legal guardians, caregivers, and educators!
Join us as we discuss options available for children with developmental disabilities aging into adulthood. When your loved ones are unable to care for themselves and their affairs, someone needs to be appointed to act on their behalf when no estate plan is in place. During this discussion, you will obtain vital information about the steps you should take to ensure your loved ones receive the best care.
Featuring Surrogate of Union County Christopher E. Hudak, Esq; Surrogate Counsel Lisa T. Brophy, Esq; Director, Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, Diana Calle, MSW; and Program Coordinator, Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, Jasmine Doughty-Whitous.
Estate Matters
If the decedent has a Last Will & Testament, please bring the following items to PROBATE A WILL:
- Original Will
- Original Certified Death Certificate with a raised seal
- Names and addresses of Next of Kin
- Cash, Check or Credit Card (Visa or Master Card only)
If the decedent does NOT have a Last Will & Testament, please bring the following items to apply for Administration / Affidavit:
- Obituary
- Original Certified Death Certificate with a raised seal
- Names and addresses of Next of Kin
- List of all assets in descendants name alone (Asset Form)
- Cash, Check or Credit Card (Visa or Master Card only)
Guardianship Matters
Minor Guardianship, for a minor receiving funds from a personal injury settlement or an inheritance, please bring the following items to apply:
- Minor’s Original Birth Certificate with raised seal
- Minor’s Social Security Card
- Names & Addresses of Next of Kin
- Cash, Check or Credit Card (Visa or Master Card only)
Adult Guardianship, caring for an Adult with Special Needs or Elder Incapacitated Person
- Guardianship of the Person & Property, these forms can be completed online and mailed to this office:
- Application Guardianship of the Person & Property
- Guardianship of the Person Only, these forms can be completed online and mailed to this office:
- Application Guardianship of the Person
Adoption Matters
- Types of Adoptions
- Agency Placement
- Stepparent & Co-Parent
- Same Sex, Opposite Sex (Gestational/In Vitro Fertilization)
- Confirmatory Adoption
- Relative
- Private
- Foreign Re-Adoption
- Adult
- Request to UNSEAL AN ADOPTION Unseal Records
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.
Surrogate Office Contacts
- Christopher E. Hudak, Esq. – Surrogate
- Kelly Coyle – Deputy Surrogate
- Susan DiNardo – Special Deputy Surrogate
- Lisa Taylor Brophy, Esq. – Attorney
