Civil · Small estates

Someone died with a small estate, or a simple will.

When someone dies without a will and the estate is small, New Jersey may let the surviving spouse or partner, or an heir, collect the assets with an affidavit filed with the county Surrogate, instead of a full administration. Whether the estate qualifies depends on its size and who survives.

When there is a will and nobody is fighting about it, many estates are simple enough for a defined, flat-fee package.

I take all matters based on my case load and whether the case resonates with me. A meeting alone does not establish an attorney-client relationship. That relationship begins only after I have accepted the case and we have both signed a written retainer agreement.

Published fees

Small estates and simple probate: what it costs.

Each fee below is my attorney fee for the scope listed, and it binds for that scope. Court filing fees, service of process, court-officer fees, and other third-party costs are extra. They are paid to the court or the provider, not to me. If your matter would entail more than a flat fee, I tell you in writing before any added work, and nothing changes unless you agree.

Small-estate affidavit (surviving spouse or heir)

$450flat

I screen whether the estate qualifies and prepare the affidavit for the Surrogate.

Included

Screening of the estate’s size and who survives
Preparation of the surviving-spouse or heir affidavit
Written guidance for your Surrogate appointment and for collecting assets with it

Not included

Surrogate fees and certified copies
An estate with a will (see simple probate guidance)
Inheritance-tax returns, real-estate sales, or creditor disputes

Uncontested probate guidance (simple estate)

$1,200flat

For an executor of a simple, uncontested New Jersey estate: guidance from the Surrogate appointment through distribution.

Included

A planning meeting and a written step-by-step checklist for the executor
Preparation for the Surrogate appointment to probate the will
Drafts of the required notice to beneficiaries
Guidance on releasing accounts and inheritance-tax waivers in a simple estate
Drafts of releases and refunding bonds for distribution

Not included

Surrogate fees, certified copies, and bond premiums
Inheritance or estate-tax returns
Selling real estate, running a business, or formal accountings
Any dispute among family members or a will contest. Contested estates are declined and referred

Beyond the flat fee

If an estate turns out not to be simple, I tell you in writing before any added work. Work beyond the package is hourly at $275/hour through December 8, 2026, then $350/hour, only if you agree. Time is billed in tenths of an hour.

On the drafting-only fees, you remain the self-represented (pro se) party. You file the papers and appear yourself unless we sign a separate written retainer for an appearance.

Published discounts apply to these attorney fees, not to court or third-party costs.

A free 30-minute phone consultation is available by appointment at 732-606-4516. A call does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

Writing this office, filling out a form, sending documents, or meeting with me does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not mean I have accepted your matter. A meeting alone does not establish an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship begins only after I have accepted the case and we have both signed a written retainer agreement. Until then, do not send confidential information you need protected. This website is not the contract.

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