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Surrogate Court
Appointments Needed
We are pleased to inform you that the Gloucester County Surrogate Court is now open by appointment only. Our staff welcomes you to visit in person to conduct all business with the Court.
Please call 856-853-3286 to schedule an appointment and discuss your individual issue. Please arrive on time for your scheduled appointment.
Drop Box
For your convenience a Drop Box is being utilized for delivery of original documents.
If requested, we will continue to conduct all business remotely via email and by utilizing our secure drop box for original documents. The Drop Box is located near our rear entrance.
All visitors must follow all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for prevention of the spread of COVID-19 including wearing a mask in the courthouse. Please see our COVID-19 Guidelines (PDF).
Message from the County Surrogate
It is my goal to provide professional, courteous, and friendly service to the residents of Gloucester County. This website is full important information regarding all matters under the jurisdiction of the Surrogate Court. Please do not hesitate to contact us at anytime if you have any questions regarding your particular issue. Our friendly staff is here to assist you and guide you through some of life's most challenging times.
It is an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Gloucester County as your Surrogate. Thank you.
Giuseppe Chila, Gloucester County Surrogate Court Judge
Responsibilities
The Gloucester County Surrogate administers a court which is certain to touch the lives of every person in the county at some time. The responsibility of the Surrogate is to oversee the administration of the many services offered by this Surrogate's Court. We have compiled valuable information and forms to assist you on all matters regarding estates, guardianships of minor funds, adoptions, and guardianship of incapacitated adults.
Document Searches
Document search appointments will be scheduled in 2 hour intervals please call 856-853-3286 to schedule an appointment. All searchers must follow Surrogates public search policy.
For further direction, please view the provided Document Search information (PDF).
Drop Box
For your convenience a Drop Box is being utilized for delivery of original documents. The Drop Box is located near our rear entrance.
Parking
Parking for the Surrogate’s office is located in the back of the building. The parking lot is located near Woodbury High School. The lot closest to the building is reserved for court staff. There are handicap parking spaces are available close to the rear entrance of the building.
Helpful Phone Numbers
Get acquainted with a list of helpful phone numbers relating to the Surrogate Court.
- New Jersey Inheritance and Estate Taxes
- New Jersey Inheritance and Estate Taxes Forms
- New Jersey Inheritance and Estate Taxes Publications
- New Jersey Division of Taxation (Inheritance Tax, Estate Tax, Tax Waivers)
- Internal Revenue Service (Estate ID Numbers)
- New Jersey Unclaimed Property
- New Jersey Judiciary
- What is a Surrogate?
- What is it meant to probate?
- Are wills registered?
- How do I begin the probate process?
- Do I need an appointment?
- What if there is no will?
- What is the purpose of a surety bond and why is it required?
- How do I get released from the surety bond?
- How is distribution made if there is no will?
- Without a will, how much is the surviving spouse entitled to?
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Giuseppe Chila
County Surrogate
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Susan M. McKenna, Esq.
Deputy Surrogate
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Surrogate Court
Physical Address
17 N Broad Street
Woodbury, NJ 08096
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 177
Woodbury, NJ 08096
Phone: 856-853-3282Fax: 856-853-3311
TTY/TTD: 856-232-9543
Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 am to 4:30 pm