Practice Area
Estate & Probate
Protect your legacy and the people who depend on you.
2 witnesses
must sign a New Jersey will along with you
10 days
after death, generally, before a will can be admitted to probate
Class A
beneficiaries — spouses, children, grandchildren, parents — owe no NJ inheritance tax
9 months
is the general window for creditors to present claims against an estate
How we help with estate & probate
A sound estate plan protects your family, your assets, and your wishes — and an honest guide makes all the difference when you are navigating probate. Gray Law Group takes an open, compassionate approach to estate planning and administration, making sure you understand your full range of options before you decide. From wills and trusts to powers of attorney and contested estates, we help clients plan with clarity and handle what comes after with care.
Matters we handle
- Wills and last testaments
- Revocable, irrevocable, and special-needs trusts
- Durable powers of attorney and advance directives
- Probate and estate administration
- Contested wills and estate disputes
Your attorney for this matter
Common Questions
Estate & Probate FAQs
What happens if I die without a will in New Jersey?
Your assets pass under New Jersey's intestacy laws, which may not reflect your wishes and can create delay and conflict for your family. A will (and often a trust) lets you stay in control.
Which estate planning documents does everyone need?
Most people need at least a will, a durable power of attorney, and an advance health-care directive. We tailor the plan to your family and assets.
How long does probate take in NJ?
Straightforward estates can often be administered within several months, but disputes, creditor issues, or complex assets can extend the timeline. We help keep it moving.
Does New Jersey still have an estate tax?
No. New Jersey's estate tax was repealed for deaths on or after January 1, 2018. The New Jersey inheritance tax still applies, depending on who inherits: spouses, children, grandchildren and parents are exempt, while siblings, nieces, nephews and friends may owe tax.
Do I need a living trust in New Jersey?
Not always. New Jersey probate is comparatively streamlined, so a well-drafted will is enough for many families. A trust can make sense for privacy, property in more than one state, a beneficiary with special needs, or planning for incapacity.
What does an executor have to do?
An executor probates the will with the county Surrogate, notifies beneficiaries, gathers the assets, pays debts, expenses and any inheritance tax, keeps an accounting and distributes what remains. We can guide an executor through each step.
Know where you stand
Estate & Probate in New Jersey, explained
Plain-language answers to the questions people ask before they call a lawyer.
How it works
What to expect when you work with us
A conversation about your family
Who depends on you, what you own and how it is titled, and what you want to happen. No forms to fill in before we talk.
A plan designed for you
We recommend the documents your situation actually needs — and tell you plainly when you don't need something, such as a trust.
Drafting and signing
You review clear drafts and ask questions, then sign with witnesses and a notary so your will can be probated without delay.
Keeping it current
Marriage, divorce, a birth, a death, a move or a new business all call for a review. When the time comes, we guide your executor through probate.
Free consultation
Talk to an estate & probate attorney
Tell us briefly what is happening. We'll get back to you to talk it through — confidentially, and with no obligation.
Prefer to call? 973-240-7313
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