Probating a Will
You can probate a will or administer an estate electronically.
If you prefer to meet with a staff member, you can book your in-person appointment online!
Learn more and begin the process.
A surrogate is a judicial officer, elected by the people, having jurisdiction over the probate of wills, the administration of estates, and more.
Surrogate Heather J. Darling, Esq., was first elected to serve the residents of Morris County in 2019. Each term of office is five years. The full title of the office is “Judge of the Surrogate Court.”
What is Surrogate Court?
The function of the Judge of the Morris County Surrogate Court includes:
- administering wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts for Morris County residents
- serving as clerk of the Superior Court
- assisting activities ranging from adoptions to incompetency matters
- managing the Minors’ Intermingled Trust Fund and holding, as custodian, approximately $25 million in that fund for Morris County minors
While the Surrogate’s Court is technologically up to date, microfilm read-printers are available for reading or reproducing original wills and other relevant probate documents.
Learn More
Latest News
Important Notices
We now accept credit cards, along with cash or check, for fees.
The Morris County Surrogate’s Court does not give legal advice.
Videos
60 Seconds With Heather- How to contact the Morris County Surrogate's Court
60 Seconds With Heather- Surrogate's role in matters of guardianship and adoption
60 Seconds With Heather- Surrogate's Court can not give legal advice and can only work with those having standing
60 Seconds With Heather- Surrogate as Judge of the Surrogate's Court
60 Seconds With Heather- What the Surrogate Does and Does Not Do
60 Seconds With Heather- Finding multiple wills
60 Seconds With Heather- Filling a caveat
60 Seconds With Heather- Including your spouse in your will post divorce
60 Seconds With Heather- Surrogate's minors' account
60 Seconds With Heather- Do not write on your will
60 Seconds With Heather- Renunciation
60 Seconds With Heather- Trusts and Second Marriages
60 Seconds With Heather- Guardianship Accountings
60 Seconds With Heather- Finishing Your Guardianship Forms
60 Seconds With Heather- Planning Your Funeral Arrangements
60 Seconds With Heather- Personal Record Book
60 Seconds With Heather- Citizens Guide to Wills, Trusts & Estates
60 Seconds With Heather- Trust for business owner
60 Seconds With Heather- Original Will vs Copy
60 Seconds With Heather- If you don't have a will
60 Seconds With Heather- What is Probate?
60 Seconds With Heather- Where to keep your will
60 Seconds With Heather- Refunding Bond & Release
60 Seconds With Heather- Designated Beneficiary for Car
August 18 "Surrogate Session:" Simple Steps to Make Your Will
Learn how to make a will:
May 20 "Surrogate Session:" Introduction to eProbate for Attorneys
Watch this overview of eProbate:
March 19 "Surrogate Session:" Navigate the Process of Adoption
November 13 “Surrogate Session:” National Alzheimer’s Disease and Family Care Givers Month
Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling dedicated her monthly Surrogate’s Session to how to help people burdened by Alzheimer’s and offer caregivers and families access to resources that may offer peace of mind. Watch the recording below:
October 23 “Surrogate Session:” What Should an Executor Know
Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling continued the series of virtual “Surrogate’s Sessions” she launched in September, with the second session on October 23 entitled, “What should an Executor Know.”
September 24 “Surrogate Session:” Drafting a Will
The Surrogate Sessions are designed to provide Morris County residents with information on pertinent topics related to wills, estates, trusts, and probate matters. They will also detail improvements in Surrogate’s Office procedures that are making it easier for clients to get their issues handled.
Watch the Surrogate Session from September 24: