Last Will and Testament in New Jersey

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: July 2026

Start with the official New Jersey form

The canonical, court-accepted version of this form is published by the Surrogate's Court (after death) for probate. Search your county or district court's website for the current Last Will and Testament form before relying on any template. Forms are revised periodically — always confirm you have the current revision before filing.

Verify with your local court clerk before filing: local rules sometimes add cover-sheet, formatting, or service requirements beyond what the state-issued form shows.

New Jersey Requirements

  • Testator 18+ and of sound mind
  • Signed by testator
  • Two witnesses
  • Holographic wills allowed
Filing Location

Surrogate's Court (after death) for probate

Filing Fee

$100 to $200 probate fees plus court costs

Statute Reference

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 3B:3-2

How to Complete This Form

  1. 1List all of your assets, including real property, bank accounts, investments, and personal property.
  2. 2Decide how you want your assets distributed and name your beneficiaries.
  3. 3Appoint an executor (personal representative) to manage your estate after death.
  4. 4If you have minor children, name a guardian for them.
  5. 5Draft the will using your state's required format and language.
  6. 6Sign the will in the presence of the required number of witnesses and, if desired, execute a self-proving affidavit.
  7. 7Store the original will in a safe location and inform your executor of its location.
Educational Example

Editorial Template (Not the Official Court Form)

This is an educational template showing the typical structure of a Last Will and Testament in New Jersey. It is not a court-validated form and should not be used in place of the official form issued by the Surrogate's Court (after death) for probate. Use this template only to understand what information you will need to assemble before completing the official form. Submitting this template instead of the official form may result in rejection by the court clerk.

Last Will and Testament in Other States

Other Forms in New Jersey

When to Talk to a Lawyer

  • You have a blended family, children from multiple marriages, or beneficiaries with special needs.
  • Your estate includes business interests, property in multiple states, or assets that may trigger estate taxes.

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.