23 Aug Should simple probate in N.J. take longer than 6 months?

Q. Should a simple probate in New Jersey take longer than six months?
— Executor

A. Good question.

Six months or longer doesn’t sound simple at all.

The average time required to probate a will and obtain letters testamentary as executor is approximately one month or less, subject to the current processing times of the applicable county Surrogate’s Office, said Alana F. Lightenberg, an attorney in the Tax, Trusts and Estate Planning practice at Wells, Jaworski & Liebman, LLP, in Paramus.

She said generally, if an estate is relatively straightforward, then a complete estate administration requires between nine and 18 months.

“Each estate is unique and contains what we refer to as speed bumps,” she said. “Those estate administration issues are varied and are often complex. The resolution of those issues contributes to the additional time required to settle an estate.”

She said that even even if an administration is processed quickly, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 3B:22-4, creditors are afforded nine months from the decedent’s date of death to present a claim against the estate for payment of any debt owed.

Therefore, she said, an estate will remain open for nine months simply to foreclose any creditors after the nine-month deadline.

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This story was originally published in August 2026. 

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.