NJ A357

Bill

Authorizes Surrogate of every county to establish electronic systems to accept electronic signatures on qualifying documents in probate matters.

Introduced
01/13/2026

In Committee
01/13/2026

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill provides that the Surrogate of every county is authorized to establish electronic systems to accept electronic signatures on qualifying documents including application for probate, authorization to accept service of process, executor qualification, surety bond, data entry review, renunciation of executor, application for administration, qualification of administrator, renunciation of administrator, affidavit of assets, notice of probate, and similar qualifying documents. This bill would not apply to any will. In addition, the bill provides the Supreme Court may adopt Rules of Court and the Administrative Director of the Courts may issue directives to effectuate the purposes of this act.

AI Summary

This bill authorizes the Surrogate, an official responsible for probate matters in each county, to create electronic systems that can accept electronic signatures on specific legal documents related to estate administration, such as applications for probate (the process of validating a will), executor qualifications, and affidavits of assets, but this authorization does not extend to wills themselves. The bill also empowers the Supreme Court to establish relevant court rules and the Administrative Director of the Courts to issue directives to help implement these electronic signature capabilities, aiming to modernize and streamline probate procedures.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (3)

Vicky Flynn (R)*, Don Guardian (R)*, Erik Simonsen (R),

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A357

(3 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A357
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A0500/357_I1.HTM

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
A1558	Authorizes Surrogate of every county to establish electronic systems to accept electronic signatures on qualifying documents in probate matters.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee	Carry Over
S2384	Authorizes Surrogate of every county to establish electronic systems to accept electronic signatures on qualifying documents in probate matters.	Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee	Same As
S807	Authorizes Surrogate of every county to establish electronic systems to accept electronic signatures on qualifying documents in probate matters.	Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee	Carry Over

Bill > A357

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary