Probate is the court process that decides who speaks for a deceased person's estate. In New Jersey, the Surrogate's Court in each county handles it. The Atlantic County Surrogate is at 5911 Main Street, Mays Landing, and the phone is 609-645-5800. The state describes an executor as the person confirmed to administer an estate with a will, and an administrator as the person appointed when there is no will. The state's Treasury page lists the court-issued Surrogate certificate as the document naming the person nominated to administer the estate.
No obligation. We respond within 24 hours.
Kaizen Home Buyers buys houses in probate for cash, as-is, with no repairs and no agent commission. We make an offer within 24 hours and can close in 14 to 30 days or after the estate is ready. Atlantic City's older multifamily buildings, converted units and bungalows tend to arrive with deferred work, and the estate does not have to fix it.
Until the Surrogate's Court recognizes an executor or administrator, no one has clear authority to sign a sale. The court issues a document naming that person, and the title company will ask to see it. If a will names an executor, that person usually applies first. If there is no will, an eligible family member applies. An estate attorney can confirm which path applies in Atlantic County.
The Division of Taxation says the return and tax are due within eight months after death, and real property of a resident decedent is subject to waiver requirements. The tax is a lien on property for fifteen years unless paid or bonded, with interest at 10 percent a year on unpaid tax. Class A heirs, including children and spouses, owe no tax, but may still need a waiver to pass title.
A 2024 New Jersey law requires sellers to disclose actual knowledge of flood risk on the property condition disclosure statement before the buyer is bound. For an estate, that means the executor should search the house for insurance letters, repair receipts and photos from storms. Tell us what you find. We price what is there, and the offer is not a flood certification. The same attorney often handles both the Surrogate's filing and the tax paperwork, so ask for one timeline that covers each.
Send the address, the status of the estate and what you know about the house. We review the property as it stands and make an as-is cash offer. If the estate is not yet ready to sign, we can wait and hold the number steady while paperwork moves. If the house also has a condo association or shore-area insurance policy, send those documents so we can read them before the contract.
We are not your attorney, and we cannot decide who owns the property. Your estate attorney handles the Surrogate's Court, the tax return and the waiver. We pick a closing date that fits that work. Call or text Kaizen Home Buyers at 267-329-0084.
The state describes an executor as confirmed for an estate with a will, and an administrator as appointed when there is no will.
Possibly, but the title company will want the waiver. Ask the attorney how it affects the closing date.
Class A heirs do not. Siblings and others may owe tax at the rates the Division of Taxation lists.
No. The contract lists what stays. Take family items first.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm details with the office or a professional.
No obligation. No fees. Just a fair offer from a local buyer.