Essex County Surrogate’s Court

In New Jersey, the Surrogate is a Constitutional Officer and the Judge of the county's Surrogate's Court. The Surrogate in each county takes on the role of the Governor in probating wills and issuing marriage licenses; a power originally given by the Archbishop of London in 1710. The office is also responsible for appointing administrators for those who die without wills of estates, qualifying trustees, and qualifying guardians of incapacitated persons.