Message from the Surrogate

Welcome to the Official Website of the Warren County Surrogate. 

The Surrogate’s Court is likely to touch the lives of thousands of Warren County residents each year and it is my goal to that our office provide diligent and caring services during what are often emotional times of loss or conflict for many families.

As you might already know, the Surrogate is the judge of the Surrogate’s Court.  The position is established by the state constitution.  It is an elected position, and the term is for five years.

The Surrogate has three jobs, related but distinct.  First, the Surrogate is the judge who presides over probating of wills.  A will merely nominates an Executor; the Surrogate formally appoints an Executor. In the absence of a Will, the Surrogate appoints an Administrator.

Secondly, the Surrogate is Deputy Clerk of Superior Court, Chancery Division.  If there is a challenge to a Will, a dispute regarding the settlement of an estate, a request for an Adoption or the need for a Guardianship, all of which take place in Superior Court, then the Surrogate as Deputy Clerk receives, files and organizes the paperwork for the Superior Court. 

Third, and lastly, the Surrogate is the custodian of funds for minors who have funds placed in the Surrogate’s Court for the protection of the minor.  The Surrogate is responsible to protect monies received by a minor arising out of a lawsuit or monies received by a minor from an estate when there is no Will or the Will does not provide a trust to hold the minor's funds until the minor becomes an adult.

I am grateful to have been elected as Surrogate by the residents of Warren County. Please feel free to contact us for any assistance we might offer you.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Doherty, Surrogate