Best Probate Lawyers in Cherry Hill

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Cherry Hill, New Jersey?

  The non-emergency dispatch number of the Cherry Hill Police Department is 856-665-1200.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Cherry Hill, New Jersey?

  Cherry Hill police reports may be picked up from the office of the police records. For inquiries, contact the Records Unit at 856-488-7822.

• How much must a Cherry Hill estate be worth before it is required to undergo full probate?

  A Cherry Hill estate may not be required to undergo full probate if its value does not reach 20,000 dollars. In addition, a surviving spouse must have a valid claim to the whole estate. If the deceased did not marry or does not have a surviving spouse, their other family members may designate one heir who will get all the assets. If all these conditions are present, then the estate becomes qualified for a simple probate process.

• What happens if the deceased in Cherry Hill has no designated executor for probate?

  If a deceased person in Cherry Hill has no designated executor, then the surrogate may provide an heir with letters of administration, which gives them the right to act as probate administrator for the estate. The first choice for such a role is the surviving spouse, but if they decline or there is none, the letters may be granted instead to other heirs. If they also refuse, then administration rights may be given to someone who is fit for the task.

• What courts handle Cherry Hill probates?

  In New Jersey, where Cherry Hill is located, two courts handle matters concerning probate, specifically the Probate Part of the Chancery Division of the Superior Court and the Surrogate's Court. The Surrogate's Court, which is a limited jurisdiction court, handles most cases and only deals with uncontested matters. The Probate Part of the Superior Court handles every other case.

• Do probate fees in Cherry Hill vary based on the size of the estate?

  When petitioning Cherry Hill estates, probate fees are charged based on the will’s length and not the size of the estate. So if they have the same number of pages, a will for an estate with 1,000 dollars in assets will have the same probate fee as an estate with 1 million dollars in assets. This is different from some states which charge high probate fees — sometimes reaching thousands of dollars — for estates with large assets.

• Do most Cherry Hill probate cases require appearance in the courtroom?

  For most Cherry Hill estates, there is not much oversight on the probate process, and the chances of going into the courtroom to face a judge are slim. More likely, the persons involved will instead meet the clerk or surrogate in settling the estate. They will look at the will, validate it, issue the paperwork that names the executor, and send them on their way. In other states, significant control is held over the administrator or executor.