What the Cumberland County Surrogate's office does: probate, guardianship and adoptions explained

Cumberland County Surrogate Skip Luizzi used an interview on Around South Jersey to explain the surrogate's core responsibilities — probating wills and estates, managing guardianships and overseeing adoptions — and to describe how residents can access those services.

"The surrogate's main job is to is probating wills and estates and guardianships and adoptions," Luizzi said, describing the office's role when someone dies or when a guardianship or adoption matter requires court involvement.

On probate, Luizzi said the original will must be submitted to the surrogate's office and is not returned. When families do not have a will, the office helps identify next of kin and starts intestacy administration; if disputes arise or questions about authenticity exist, the matter is sent before a judge.

Luizzi explained practical steps residents commonly need: short forms for banks and vehicle transfers, a letter of administration when someone acts on behalf of an estate, and a typical in‑office visit of about 20–25 minutes if paperwork (original will, death certificate) is in order. He recommended waiting about 10–11 days after a death before filing and advised callers to use the office website to download forms and make appointments in advance.

On trust funds and minors, Luizzi said money left to children is normally liquidated into the surrogate's trust fund until the beneficiary turns 18; Rebecca Quinn handles the trust fund and the office seeks competitive interest rates at local banks to preserve funds for young beneficiaries.

Guardianships, Luizzi said, often arise when family members prefer to care for elders at home and need legal authority to make medical and financial decisions; the state may assume guardianship for people without family or with severe incapacity. Adoption work involves thorough background checks and fingerprinting; Luizzi said many adoptions are intrafamilial and that November is adoption month in New Jersey when the office processes many cases.

The office also runs community programs: a free-will program with attorney assistance for simple wills, house calls for residents unable to travel, bilingual website materials, and participation in county senior events. Luizzi encouraged residents who face probate, guardianship or adoption issues to make an appointment so staff can prepare the necessary short forms and paperwork.

The explanation aimed to give practical steps for residents navigating end-of-life, guardianship and adoption processes and to clarify what services the surrogate's office provides directly versus what requires judicial action.