Estate administration in New Jersey refers to the legal process by which a deceased person's assets are gathered, managed, and distributed in accordance with their will or state law if they died without a will. The process is overseen by the Surrogate's Court in the county where the decedent lived at the time of their death.

The following is a general overview of the steps involved in estate administration in New Jersey:

1. File a petition for probate: The first step in estate administration is to file a petition with the Surrogate's Court to admit the will to probate, or to ask the court to appoint an administrator if there is no will. The court will then issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, which give the executor or administrator the legal authority to manage the estate.

2. Identify and value assets: The executor or administrator must identify all of the decedent's assets, including real estate, bank accounts, investments, personal property, and any other assets. They must then determine the value of each asset as of the date of the decedent's death.

3. Pay debts and taxes: The executor or administrator is responsible for paying any outstanding debts and taxes owed by the estate, including income taxes, estate taxes, and any other debts owed by the decedent.

4. Distribute assets: Once all debts and taxes have been paid, the executor or administrator can distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the will, or to the decedent's heirs if there is no will. The distribution must be done in accordance with the decedent's wishes or state law.

5. Close the estate: Once all assets have been distributed, the executor or administrator must file a final accounting with the Surrogate's Court and obtain a discharge, which releases them from their duties as executor or administrator.

It is important to note that estate administration can be a complex and time-consuming process, and the specific steps and requirements may vary depending on the circumstances of each individual case. It is recommended that individuals seeking to administer an estate in New Jersey consult with a qualified attorney who can provide guidance and ensure that all legal requirements are met.