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, probate, and inheritance tax matters under N.J.S.A. 3B:31-1 et seq. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide. We help families in Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, and Moorestown handle estate administration and planning. Call (888) 437-7747 for a consultation by appointment only.
New Jersey Trust and Estate Law
New Jersey trust and estate law is governed by statutes like the NJ Uniform Trust Code (N.J.S.A. 3B:31-1 et seq.) and the NJ Probate Code (N.J.S.A. 3B:1-1 et seq.). These laws define the legal process for creating wills, administering trusts, and distributing assets after death. While New Jersey repealed its state estate tax in 2018, an inheritance tax still applies to certain beneficiaries. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, uses this legal framework to provide full representation for Burlington County families.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of New Jersey’s trust laws, refer to the NJ Uniform Trust Code (N.J.S.A. 3B:31-1 et seq.) on the official New Jersey Legislature website. For court forms and local procedures, 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. The executor or administrator must obtain an inheritance tax waiver from the NJ Division of Taxation before distributing assets. Trust administration follows the procedures outlined in the Uniform Trust Code.
- Initial Consultation and Document Gathering: Contact our firm. Gather the will, trust documents, death certificate, and all asset and debt statements.
- File with the Burlington County Surrogate’s Court: File the will and petition for probate at 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly. The court will issue official authority letters.
- Notify Creditors and Manage Estate Assets: Publish a notice to creditors. Secure all estate assets and pay valid debts.
- Address New Jersey Inheritance Tax: File the required tax form (IT-R or IT-NR) with the NJ Division of Taxation within 8 months.
- Prepare Final Accounting and Distribute Assets: Prepare a formal accounting for court approval. Distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries.
Potential Outcomes in Estate Matters
In Burlington County, estate matters involve court-supervised processes; penalties for fiduciary breaches can include surcharges, removal, and estate freezing during will contests.
| Matter | Classification | Timeline | Key Financial Impact | Court Supervision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Probate (Testate) | Judicial Proceeding | 9-12 months typical | Executor fees: 5% first $200K | Burlington County Surrogate’s Court |
| Inheritance Tax | Tax Assessment | Due in 8 months | Rates: 0-16% based on beneficiary | NJ Division of Taxation |
| Will Contest | Civil Litigation | 6-18 months+ | Estate frozen during case | Superior Court, Burlington Vicinage |
| Trust Administration | Fiduciary Duty | Varies by trust terms | Trustee commissions possible | Minimal court involvement if uncontested |
Results may vary. Each estate’s outcome depends on its unique facts, asset structure, and family circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. We have achieved 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to serving Burlington County. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a deep commitment to family and estate law.
Case Results and Client Outcomes
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide across our service areas. While specific Burlington County trust and estate results are not separately published, our firm-wide experience includes successful estate administrations, probate resolutions, and guidance on inheritance tax compliance.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your matter.
Serving Burlington County, NJ
Our New Jersey location represents clients at Burlington County courts. We are accessible via NJ Turnpike, I-295, and Route 130. As a trust and estate lawyer near Mount Holly and Moorestown, we serve communities including Mount Laurel, 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 — By appointment only
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
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, requiring probate court approval. A trust holds assets during your lifetime and transfers them to beneficiaries without probate, offering privacy and potentially avoiding certain taxes.
Does New Jersey have an estate tax or inheritance tax?
New Jersey repealed its state estate tax in 2018. However, New Jersey maintains an inheritance tax that applies to transfers to certain beneficiaries, like siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends, with rates from 11% to 16%. Transfers to spouses, children, and grandchildren are generally exempt.
How long does probate take in Burlington County?
Probate in Burlington County typically takes 9 to 12 months for standard estates. Simple estates with no disputes can be faster through the Surrogate’s Court. Complex estates or will contests can extend the timeline to 18 months or more.
What happens if someone dies without a will in New Jersey?
If you die intestate (without a will), New Jersey’s intestacy laws (N.J.S.A. 3B:1-1 et seq.) determine how your assets are distributed. A court-appointed administrator handles the estate, and assets pass to your closest relatives in a statutory order, which may not reflect your wishes.
What are the executor’s fees in New Jersey?
New Jersey law sets statutory executor commissions. The fee is 5% on the first $200,000 of estate value, 3.5% on the next $800,000, and 2% on amounts over $1 million. The court must approve these fees, which are considered taxable income to the executor.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our New Jersey Estate Planning Lawyer hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Camden County and Atlantic County. For other legal needs in Burlington County, consider our services for business law or civil litigation. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.