County Surrogate Transitions To Post-Pandemic Operation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: July 30, 2021

Contact: John E. Lanza, Commissioner Deputy Director

John.lanza@co.hunterdon.nj.us

Hunterdon County Surrogate Court Re-Opens To Public

August 2 at 8 am

Transitions To Post-Pandemic Operation

The Hunterdon County Surrogate Court, at the Justice Center on Park Avenue in Flemington, will reopen for in-person service on Monday, August 2, 2021 at 8 am, in accordance with the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts’ (AOC) directive to all New Jersey Courts, County Surrogate Susan J. Hoffman recently announced.

Surrogate Hoffman said, “Surrogate business again can be conducted in person, after the Office, although fully operational, acted without in person contact throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Documents were only allowed to be dropped off in the lobby.

The public was not allowed into the Justice Center, by order of the AOC, for several months, and business had to be conducted via email, facsimile and telephone since mid-March of 2020.”

As the court transitions to post-pandemic operations, Surrogate Hoffman recommends that persons who need to transact business in the Surrogate Court seek an appointment to ensure expeditious action, however the Office will also be open for walk ins.

Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners Deputy Director John E. Lanza, who serves as liaison to the Surrogate Court, said, “The Surrogate Court provides valuable services such as filing adoptions, appointing guardians for persons in need and other administrative duties related to wills and probates.

There have been challenges for conducting business throughout COVID-19, but the Board and I are grateful to have Surrogate Hoffman’s knowledge and experience during this unusual period.”

Surrogate Hoffman noted the drop box in the Justice Center lobby will still be available and health procedures are in place for anyone who does not wish to appear in person at the Surrogate’s Office.

“Masks are currently mandated by the AOC in the Justice Center and the Surrogate Court. Social distancing and other guidelines as established by the CDC and the State of New Jersey must be observed by all who come to the Court. Updates will be provided to the public as mandates change,” Surrogate Hoffman stated.

Residents may email paperwork for processing to surrogate@co.hunterdon.nj.us or fax the Surrogate Court at 908-788-1586.

Visit https://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/surrogate.html for further information or call 908-788-1156 with any questions.