Introduction to the Surrogate’s Court
A brief welcome from the Surrogate and an overview of the role our office plays in serving the residents of Bergen County.
The Surrogate’s Court has published several editions of “How to Probate a Last Will & Testament in the Bergen County Surrogate’s Court” in English, Spanish & Korean and has made that booklet available in PDF format via this website as well.
“I have published several editions this booklet in English, Korean and Spanish to help all of the residents of Bergen County to plan for the legacy that they have worked their entire lives to achieve, and I am pleased that they are so popular,” said Bergen County Surrogate Michael R. Dressler. “The last thing I want is for someone to reach my office and to have not had an opportunity to review critical information, or to find out that their recently deceased loved ones were not prepared.”
These 2016 editions include four additional sections on Federal Estate Tax, Frequently Asked Questions, Outreach, and The History of the Court. These editions also include an important clarification in the matter of executor commissions in the State of New Jersey stating that “executor commissions are only allowable on ‘probate assets’ and on real estate which comes into the hands of the executor.”
Lifeline Emergency Medical Information
In a medical emergency, seconds matter. A completed Lifeline form on your refrigerator can help first responders find your vital information immediately.
Fill out our Lifeline form, keep it up to date, and place it on your refrigerator with the Lifeline decal on your front door. This simple step can help ensure your wishes are followed and could save your life. Contact our office today for a lifeline packet: (201) 336-6700.
Instructional Video Library
The Bergen County Surrogate’s Court has prepared a series of short videos to introduce our office and explain some of the most common services we provide. You are welcome to watch them at your convenience and share them with friends, neighbors and family members who may find them helpful.
Probate
An introduction to probating a Last Will & Testament and what to expect when a loved one passes away.
Wills
A discussion of why a properly prepared Will is so important and some of the basic concepts involved.
Power of Attorney
An overview of Powers of Attorney and how they allow a trusted person to act on your behalf during your lifetime.
Advance Medical Directives
A look at living wills and medical directives and how they help ensure that your healthcare wishes are known and respected.
Please check back periodically for updates and additional instructional videos. If you have any questions after watching, you are always welcome to call our office at (201) 336-6700.
As a means of bringing government to the people, in 1999, Michael R. Dressler initiated Bergen County's first Satellite Surrogate's Office program which is operated without additional taxpayer cost, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. The goal of the program is to make the services of the Surrogate's Office as accessible to the people of Bergen County as possible.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Unless otherwise specified we do not hold office hours at these
specific locations. Residents may ONLY avail themselves of the Satellite Office Program if they make
an appointment via telephone with a member of our staff at the Surrogate's Court first:
(201) 336-6700. Otherwise, there will not be a clerk present to greet them.
You must NOT show up at one of our Satellite Offices without an appointment. There will not be a member of our staff there to help you if you do not have an appointment, and that is absolutely not what we want. That is not what any of our colleagues who have graciously granted us permission to utilize these spaces want either. We want to make your lives and the lives of those in need easier in every way possible. Please remember that these are complex legal matters and there are often instructions that you will need to follow in order to prepare for your meeting; information or identification that you will be required to bring with you.
Please also note that as per our Notice to the Bar dated 7/20/21, we have and will continue our policy of probating estates and filing court documents remotely as we established in April 2020. This is an alternative to making the trip to the burden of having to travel. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have about this program at any time.
Satellite Appointment Locations
Appointments with one of our clerks to meet for our Surrogate's Court Satellite Program may be made at the following locations:
| Municipality | Location | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Cresskill | Municipal Building | 67 Union Avenue |
| Emerson | Municipal Building | 146 Linwood Avenue |
| Fair Lawn | Municipal Building | 8-01 Fair Lawn Ave # 206 |
| Fort Lee | Senior Citizen's Center | 319 Main St |
| Norwood | Borough Hall | 455 Broadway |
| Oakland | Senior Center | 20 Lawlor Drive |
| Park Ridge | Borough Hall | 53 Park Avenue |
| Ridgewood | Municipal Library | 125 North Maple Ave |
| River Vale | Municipal Building | 406 River Vale Road |
| Rutherford | Kipp Center | 176 Park Avenue |
| Wallington | Borough Hall | 24 Union Boulevard |
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