MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling traveled to Trenton last week to advocate for the advancement of the “Uniform Electronic Wills Act,” a bill that would modernize probate procedures by allowing for the creation and probate of electronic wills.
The bill, Senate Bill S421, is currently under review by the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee. If passed, it would align New Jersey with 14 other states that already permit electronic wills.
Darling, a longtime proponent of digitizing probate processes, has led efforts to integrate digital tools into estate administration. She was instrumental in launching an online probate filing system that has since expanded to Surrogate’s Offices across the state.
“Electronic wills are a natural next step in modernizing our probate system,” Darling said. “Without a clear legal framework, these digital documents can lead to unnecessary delays and added costs for grieving families.”
Darling emphasized that allowing electronic wills would make end-of-life planning more accessible and secure for residents, especially as New Jersey embraces digital innovation across public services.
She expressed hope that S421 and its Assembly counterpart, A5772, will advance through both chambers of the Legislature and be signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy.
“This legislation would help ensure that residents can rely on 21st-century tools to protect their final wishes,” she said.
