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Q: How can I correct an incorrect name on a death certificate in North Carolina?
After my mother's death last September, I discovered that the funeral home listed an incorrect name on her death certificate. I've been trying to resolve this issue, but the person who prepared the certificate is unsure how to proceed, and the funeral home has since changed ownership.... View More 
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Christopher R. Milton
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answered on Sep 11, 2026
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answered on Sep 11, 2026
I'm sorry for your loss, and I know these paperwork problems are the last thing you want to be dealing with. The good news is you don't need the original funeral home's cooperation to fix this. North Carolina death certificates are ultimately controlled by the state — NC Vital... View More
Q: How can I find out the contents of my father's will after his passing?
I live in New Jersey, and my father recently passed away in the Dominican Republic. He had a will, but I have no idea where it might be, who has possession of it, or if any legal proceedings are happening. I haven't heard from any lawyers regarding the will. How can I find out what's in... View More
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Christopher R. Milton
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answered on Sep 11, 2026
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answered on Sep 11, 2026
I'm sorry about your father. Whether New Jersey has any role here depends on whether he owned property in New Jersey. If he did, an authenticated copy of the will (or of the Dominican Republic probate/succession proceeding) would need to be filed with the County Surrogate for ancillary... View More
Q: How can I change my beneficiary classification from "D" to "A" in NJ?
I have been living in New Jersey with my partner for approximately 32 years, and she recently passed away. During our time together, we shared numerous assets, including insurance policies for our cars and homeowner's insurance. We also purchased a home together in the past, which we sold, and... View More
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Christopher R. Milton
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answered on Sep 11, 2026
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answered on Sep 11, 2026
I'm sorry for your loss. New Jersey's Transfer Inheritance Tax classifications aren't based on how long two people lived together or shared expenses — they're based on formal legal status. Class A (largely exempt from the tax) is limited to a spouse, a civil union partner, a... View More
Q: How can an executor recover stolen estate assets?
As the executor of an estate in New Jersey, I'm facing an issue where a beneficiary, along with family members, has stolen assets from the estate. What legal actions can I take to recover these stolen assets as the executor?
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Christopher R. Milton
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answered on Sep 11, 2026
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answered on Sep 11, 2026
As executor, you have a fiduciary duty and statutory authority to collect and marshal all estate assets (N.J.S.A. 3B:14-23), and New Jersey gives you real tools when someone is wrongfully holding or has taken estate property: a civil claim for conversion or replevin (recovery of specific property,... View More
Q: How can I check for a probate case in New Jersey regarding my inheritance?
I am concerned about a potential probate case in New Jersey involving my inheritance, which I believe my family is trying to keep from me. I haven't been involved in any probate proceedings recently, and I suspect my mail might have been redirected to prevent me from receiving important... View More
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Christopher R. Milton
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answered on Sep 11, 2026
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 11, 2026
New Jersey handles most probate matters a little differently than some other states: an uncontested will is admitted to probate at the County Surrogate's Court for the county where the person lived, not through a statewide court system, and it only moves to the Superior Court, Chancery... View More
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