Elizabeth Probate Court Files
Elizabeth probate court records are filed at the Union County Surrogate's Court. Elizabeth is the fourth largest city in New Jersey and the county seat of Union County. The Surrogate's Court is in the courthouse on Broad Street in downtown Elizabeth. Records date back to 1857 when Union County was formed. You can search for wills, estate files, and guardianship papers at this office. Staff help residents find probate court records, file new estates, and order certified copies by appointment.
Elizabeth Quick Facts
Elizabeth Probate Court Records Office
The Union County Surrogate's Court handles all probate court records for Elizabeth. Christopher Hudak, Esq. serves as Surrogate. The main office is at the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Old Annex, 2nd Floor, Elizabeth, NJ 07207. A second office is in Westfield at 300 North Avenue East. Both locations serve Elizabeth residents who need probate court records. Visits are by appointment only. Call (908) 527-4280 to schedule.
| Office | Union County Surrogate's Court |
|---|---|
| Surrogate | Christopher Hudak, Esq. |
| Main Address | 2 Broad Street, Old Annex, 2nd Floor Elizabeth, NJ 07207 |
| Westfield Office | 300 North Ave East Westfield, NJ |
| Phone | (908) 527-4280 |
| Appointments | By appointment only |
| Website | ucnj.org/surrogate |
Elizabeth City Hall is at 50 Winfield Scott Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07201. City Hall does not keep probate court records. All estate matters go through the Union County Surrogate's Court. The City of Elizabeth website covers other city services, but for wills and estate records you must contact the Surrogate's office.
Note: Elizabeth probate court records from before 1857 are held in Essex County, since Union County was split from Essex County in that year.
How to Search Elizabeth Probate Court Records
You search for probate court records in Elizabeth by calling the Surrogate's Court at (908) 527-4280. Since visits are by appointment only, call first to confirm the record exists and set a time. Tell the staff the full name of the person and a date of death. They will check the index and let you know what is on file. You can then visit to view the record and order copies.
The Union County Surrogate FAQ page answers common questions about searching probate court records in Elizabeth. It covers what documents you need, how fees work, and what to expect at your visit. Review this page before you call so you can ask the right questions about Elizabeth probate court records.
For historical research, the New Jersey State Archives holds Union County probate court records on microfilm. These go back to 1857. Will Books, administration bonds, estate files, and dockets are all part of the collection. Researchers can view reels at the State Archives in Trenton or order them through interlibrary loan. This is an important source for old Elizabeth probate court records that may no longer be at the local office.
Elizabeth Government and Probate Records
The Elizabeth city government website provides local services and contact details for city departments.
The city website is a good source for vital records, tax information, and other local needs. Probate court records are handled by the Union County Surrogate's Court, not the city. Elizabeth residents who need wills or estate files should contact the courthouse on Broad Street or the Westfield office rather than City Hall.
Filing Probate Court Records in Elizabeth
Under N.J.S.A. 3B:3-22, probate in Elizabeth cannot start until 10 days after the date of death. This is a state rule that applies to every estate. After the wait, the executor calls (908) 527-4280 to schedule an appointment at the Surrogate's Court. The filing creates new probate court records in Elizabeth. The visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes when all documents are in order.
To probate a will in Elizabeth, you need the original will, a death certificate with a raised seal, and the names and addresses of next of kin. Fees range from $150 to $200. The base filing fee is $100 for two pages, plus $5 for each added page. Certified copies of probate court records cost $5 each. Under N.J.S.A. 3B:3-19, the Surrogate admits the will to probate and issues Letters Testamentary. These letters give the executor the legal right to manage the estate.
When an Elizabeth resident dies without a will, a family member can apply for Letters of Administration. Under N.J.S.A. 3B:10-1, the Surrogate appoints an administrator to manage the intestate estate. You bring the death certificate with a raised seal, signed renunciations from other heirs, and a list of known assets. The Surrogate reviews everything and issues the letters. All filings become probate court records in Elizabeth that anyone can search later.
- Original will or proof of no will
- Death certificate with raised seal
- Next of kin names and addresses
- Filing fees of $150 to $200
- Photo ID for the executor or applicant
Types of Elizabeth Probate Records
The Union County Surrogate's Court stores many types of probate court records for Elizabeth residents. Wills state how a person wanted their property divided after death. Letters Testamentary give the executor legal power to act. Letters of Administration serve that role when there is no will. Guardianship orders protect minors and their property. Estate accountings show how the executor or administrator handled funds. Will contest files document disputes over a will. All of these records are kept by the Surrogate's Court and can be searched by the public.
Elizabeth probate court records from 1857 to the present are part of the Union County collection. Earlier records are in Essex County. The combined collections let researchers trace estate matters in the Elizabeth area across nearly two centuries of history.
Note: The Westfield office at 300 North Avenue East offers the same services as the Elizabeth location, so Union County residents can choose which is more convenient for their probate court records needs.
Elizabeth Probate Records at State Archives
The New Jersey State Archives holds Union County probate court records on microfilm. These reels include Will Books, administration bonds, guardianship records, estate files, and dockets. The collection covers Elizabeth and all other Union County towns from 1857 onward. Genealogists and family researchers use these records to trace lines that run through Elizabeth.
The image below shows the New Jersey State Archives website, a key resource for historical Elizabeth probate court records.
You can visit the archives in Trenton or order reels through your local library. The archives staff help you find the right microfilm for your Elizabeth probate court records search. No appointment is needed for most visits to the State Archives reading room.
Small Estate Probate in Elizabeth
Some Elizabeth estates do not need full probate. Under N.J.S.A. 3B:10-3 and 3B:10-4, small estates may use an affidavit process instead. This path is quicker and less costly than standard probate. It still creates probate court records in Elizabeth, but the steps are fewer. The Surrogate's staff can tell you if the estate qualifies when you call to make an appointment.
Bring the death certificate and a complete list of assets. Staff at the Elizabeth courthouse will review the total value and guide you to the right process. Many Elizabeth families use this option when the estate is small and all heirs are in agreement. A single appointment can often handle the entire filing.
Court Resources for Elizabeth Residents
The New Jersey Courts website has forms, guides, and contact details for all county courts in the state. Elizabeth residents can download probate forms and read filing instructions on this site. It covers rules that apply to every probate court record filed in New Jersey, including those in Elizabeth and Union County.
The New Jersey Legislature website provides the full text of probate statutes. All of the rules that govern how wills are filed, how administrators are named, how small estates are handled, and what fees apply can be found there. Knowing these rules before your appointment at the Union County Surrogate's Court in Elizabeth can save time and help you bring the right documents. These statutes shape every probate court record filed in Elizabeth and across New Jersey.
Union County Probate Court Records
Elizabeth is the county seat of Union County. All probate court records for Elizabeth are filed through the Union County Surrogate's Court. The county page has more detail on office procedures, full fee schedules, State Archives holdings, and links to other resources. For probate court records in other Union County towns like Plainfield, Westfield, or Linden, the county page covers those as well.