Much of our work in the area of guardianships, probate and estate administration involves our County Surrogates. As we continue to adjust to working with COVID-19, be aware that each Surrogate Office is adjusting their hours and policies to deal with the pandemic. The overview of changed hours and policies in each county can be found here. In Union County, the new hours are Mon. & Thurs. 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. to reach staff by phone and schedule emergent matters.
Court proceedings for uncontested Guardianships are being handled on the papers. The court-appointed counsel files his or her report, the Judgment (Order) is exchanged between the parties and then the Court handles the case on its regularly-scheduled date. In some cases, the Court may hold that hearing by telephone. Our office handled a guardianship case in Essex County last week which involved some unusual issues and the Court decided to conduct a hearing with all the parties present. The Judge was on the bench with his clerk, and six people as well as the Judge called in to the conference from various locations. Witnesses were sworn, oral argument was made, testimony was taken, the Judge issued the ruling. All by telephone and it worked out very well for everyone concerned.
We continue to keep in touch with Union, Middlesex and other Surrogate’s Offices to facilitate mail in and email qualifications for guardians, executors, and administrators, as well as all related necessary filings with this office. Thank you County Surrogates!
We’re here to help! Contact us at ………732-382-6070