Will Lawyer Burlington County, NJ — Secure Your Legacy
A will is a legal document directing the distribution of your assets after death under New Jersey law. Without a valid will, state intestacy laws control your estate. A will lawyer Burlington County can help you create a legally sound document that names guardians for minor children and an executor. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Will and Estate Law
In New Jersey, wills are governed by the New Jersey Probate Code (N.J.S.A. 3B:1-1 et seq.). A valid will must be in writing, signed by the testator (the person making the will), and witnessed by at least two competent individuals who also sign in the testator’s presence. The will is then probated through the Burlington County Surrogate’s Court, located at 49 Rancocas Road in Mount Holly. The executor named in the will is responsible for managing the estate through this court-supervised process.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official statutes, refer to the New Jersey Statutes (N.J.S.A.) Title 3B. The Burlington Vicinage Superior Court website provides probate forms and local procedural rules.
Burlington County Estate Planning Process
Creating a will in Burlington County involves more than just drafting a document; it requires understanding how your assets are titled and how they will pass to beneficiaries. A key local procedural fact is that wills are probated through the Surrogate’s Court in Mount Holly. The executor or administrator is formally appointed there, and any required inheritance tax waivers must be obtained from the NJ Division of Taxation before assets can be fully distributed. Trust administration follows the New Jersey Uniform Trust Code.
- Schedule a consultation with a will lawyer Burlington County to discuss your assets and wishes.
- Draft and review your will, naming an executor and guardians for minor children.
- Execute the will with proper signatures and witness formalities as required by NJ law.
- Store the original will in a secure location and inform your executor of its whereabouts.
- Periodically review and update your will after major life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.
Consequences of Not Having a Will
In Burlington County, dying without a will (intestate) means New Jersey’s default laws dictate how your assets are divided, which may not align with your wishes and can cause family conflict.
| Scenario | Outcome Under Intestacy | Potential Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Married with children | Spouse receives first 25% of estate (but not less than $50,000) plus 50% of the balance; children split the remainder. | Spouse may not receive the family home outright. |
| Single with children | Estate divided equally among children. | Minor children’s shares are managed by a court-appointed guardian. |
| No spouse or children | Estate passes to parents, then siblings, then more distant relatives. | Assets could go to relatives you have no relationship with. |
| Unmarried partner | Partner receives nothing unless specifically named in a will or other legal document. | Partner may lose home and assets shared with the deceased. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Will
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We understand that estate planning is deeply personal, and we work to create plans that provide peace of mind for you and your family.
Our Approach to Estate Planning
We focus on understanding your unique family dynamics and financial situation to draft documents that clearly reflect your intentions. While specific local case results are not cited here, our firm-wide experience handling over 4,739 documented legal matters informs our thorough and detail-oriented approach to drafting wills and related estate plans.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Will Lawyer Near Me Burlington County
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Burlington County. We are your local will lawyer near me Burlington County resource, representing clients in Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, and surrounding communities.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Contact: Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
Address: 44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 (By appointment only.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to write a will in New Jersey?
No, but it is highly advisable. A will lawyer Burlington County ensures your document complies with all formalities of N.J.S.A. Title 3B, avoids ambiguity that could lead to disputes, and integrates properly with other parts of your estate plan like trusts or beneficiary designations.
What happens if I die without a will in Burlington County?
Your estate is distributed according to New Jersey’s intestacy laws. A spouse may not inherit everything; children’s shares are managed by a court-appointed guardian; and unmarried partners receive nothing. The court will also appoint an administrator, which may not be the person you would have chosen.
Can I write my own will?
Yes, but self-made wills often contain errors in execution or vague language that can render them invalid or lead to costly litigation. An affordable will lawyer Burlington County can provide cost-effective, professional drafting that gives you certainty and avoids future legal expenses for your family.
What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will takes effect only after death and must go through probate. A trust takes effect as soon as it’s created and funded, avoiding probate. A will covers any asset solely in your name, while a trust only covers assets formally transferred into it. Many people use both as part of a complete plan.
How often should I update my will?
You should review your will every 3-5 years or after any major life event, such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, significant change in assets, or a change in New Jersey inheritance or tax laws. An estate planning lawyer can help you determine if a simple update or a full restatement is needed.
Related Services: For broader estate planning, see our New Jersey Estate Lawyer page. For help with related legal matters in Burlington County, consider a Business Lawyer or Civil Litigation Lawyer.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Burlington County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Will Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Will Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Will Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.