Welcome to the Surrogate's Court
It is my privilege and pleasure to address you as Judge of the Surrogate Court of Bergen County. The many duties of the Surrogate's Court include the probating of wills, appointing of estate administrators, supervising the appointment of guardians and administering adoptions.
This site offers an introductory and general overview of issues that I believe are important to you and your family including the importance of wills, powers of attorney, advance medical directives [living wills] the probate process, intestacy, guardianships, and our satellite offices. The principle governing my staff and myself is that during periods of grief and family uncertainty the Surrogate's Court is available to listen, help and guide. If you have any questions regarding any topic covered by this site or involving the Surrogate's Court, please contact my office.
This site is necessarily only an overview of the probate process. Should you have any questions, the Bergen County Surrogate's Court is there to help. It may also be appropriate to seek the advice of an attorney to help guide you through the legal procedures involving Surrogate's Court issues.
| Sincerely, Michael R. Dressler Bergen County Surrogate |


