Trust & Estate Lawyer in Burlington County, NJ
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced trust and estate representation in Burlington County, NJ, handling wills, trusts, probate, and estate administration under New Jersey statutes like the NJ Uniform Trust Code (N.J.S.A. 3B:31-1 et seq.). Our firm, founded in 1997, offers full representation for estate planning and fiduciary matters. We serve clients in Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, and surrounding communities.
In Burlington County, estate matters are handled through the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Probate Part, and the local Surrogate’s Court. New Jersey repealed its state estate tax in 2018 but maintains an inheritance tax with rates up to 16% for certain beneficiaries.
New Jersey Trust and Estate Law
New Jersey’s estate planning and probate system is governed by several key statutes. The NJ Probate Code (N.J.S.A. 3B:1-1 et seq.) outlines procedures for administering estates, including the appointment of executors and the distribution of assets. The NJ Uniform Trust Code (N.J.S.A. 3B:31-1 et seq.) provides the framework for creating, managing, and terminating trusts. While New Jersey repealed its state estate tax, the New Jersey Inheritance Tax still applies to transfers based on the beneficiary’s relationship to the decedent.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Under N.J. Stat. § 14A:1-1, state law governs this practice area.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of New Jersey’s estate laws, refer to the official state legislature website: N.J.S.A. 3B:1-1 et seq. (NJ Probate Code). For court forms and procedures in Burlington County, visit the Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage website.
Burlington County Estate Procedures
In Burlington County, wills are probated through the Surrogate’s Court located in Mount Holly. The court appoints the executor named in the will or an administrator if there is no will. A key local procedural fact is that inheritance tax waivers must be obtained from the NJ Division of Taxation before certain assets can be transferred.
- Initial Consultation and Document Review: Gather all existing estate planning documents, asset lists, and beneficiary information for review with your attorney.
- File with the Surrogate’s Court: Submit the will and petition for probate to the Burlington County Surrogate’s Court to appoint the executor or administrator.
- Obtain Inheritance Tax Waivers: File Form IT-R with the New Jersey Division of Taxation to obtain waivers for assets subject to inheritance tax.
- Administer the Estate or Trust: The executor or trustee manages assets, pays debts and taxes, and prepares final accountings for court approval.
- Distribute Assets to Beneficiaries: After court approval and tax clearance, distribute remaining assets according to the will, trust, or intestacy laws.
Estate Planning and Probate Overview
In Burlington County, estate planning involves creating legal documents to manage and distribute assets, while probate is the court-supervised process of administering an estate after death.
| Document/Process | Primary Purpose | Key Feature | NJ Statute Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last Will & Testament | Directs asset distribution, names guardians | Requires probate | N.J.S.A. 3B:3-1 et seq. |
| Revocable Living Trust | Holds assets, avoids probate | Can be changed during life | N.J.S.A. 3B:31-1 et seq. |
| Probate Administration | Court-supervised estate settlement | 9-12 month typical timeline | N.J.S.A. 3B:1-1 et seq. |
| Inheritance Tax | Tax on transfers to certain beneficiaries | Rates 0-16%, based on relationship | N.J.S.A. 54:33-1 et seq. |
Results may vary. Each estate situation is unique.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex trust and estate matters. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the precise details of New Jersey probate law and estate planning strategies.
Local Representation in Burlington County
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Burlington County courts. We are a trust and estate lawyer near Mount Holly and the surrounding communities. We represent clients in Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, and Marlton.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a will and a trust in New Jersey?
A will directs asset distribution after death and names guardians for minor children, but it must go through probate court. A trust holds assets during your lifetime and transfers them to beneficiaries without probate, offering privacy and potentially faster distribution.
Does New Jersey have an estate tax?
No. New Jersey repealed its state estate tax effective January 1, 2018. However, New Jersey still has an inheritance tax that applies to certain beneficiaries based on their relationship to the deceased, with rates from 0% to 16%.
How long does probate take in Burlington County?
Probate typically takes 9 to 12 months in Burlington County for standard estates. Simple estates with no disputes can be faster through the Surrogate’s Court. Contested wills or complex assets can extend the process to 18 months or longer.
What happens if someone dies without a will in New Jersey?
They die intestate. New Jersey’s intestacy laws (N.J.S.A. 3B:1-1 et seq.) determine how assets are distributed, typically to a surviving spouse and children. The court appoints an administrator, and the estate goes through a formal probate process.
Can an executor be removed in New Jersey?
Yes. Under N.J.S.A. 3B:14-21, an executor can be removed by the court for breach of fiduciary duty, waste of assets, incapacity, or conflict of interest. The process requires filing a formal complaint in the Superior Court, Chancery Division.
Related Legal Services
For more information on estate planning in New Jersey, visit our New Jersey Estate Planning Lawyer hub page. We also assist Burlington County residents with business law and civil litigation matters. For estate planning in nearby counties, see our pages for Camden County and Atlantic County. Learn more about Mr. Sris.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.