Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling continues estate planning outreach after Make-A-Will Month
MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling is continuing her outreach efforts on wills, trusts and estate planning following the conclusion of National Make-A-Will Month.
Darling spoke Tuesday, Sept. 1, to a Mount Olive seniors group, providing an overview of wills, trusts and estates before answering questions from attendees.
As judge of the Morris County Surrogate’s Court, Darling cannot provide specific legal advice. However, she addressed general questions about the importance of having a will, selecting beneficiaries, when and why a trust may be appropriate and which assets can pass outside of probate.
Since becoming surrogate, Darling has worked to increase awareness among Morris County residents about the importance of wills and other documents that can help ensure their personal affairs are in order at the time of their death.
Darling said her outreach also focuses on helping residents understand the broader role of the Surrogate’s Court and the services it provides.
“So many citizens are unaware of where to turn at some of the most difficult times in their lives. The Surrogate’s Court is the proper venue for probating a will, seeking appointment as administrator of an estate for a loved one who has passed, filing for guardianship over an individual unable to handle their own affairs — including a child with special needs becoming an adult — and filing adoption petitions,” said Surrogate Darling.
Darling welcomes requests to speak to senior groups, health care networks, libraries and other civic organizations throughout Morris County to help residents better understand and prepare for situations in which they or their families may need the services of the Surrogate’s Court.
More information and resources are available through the Morris County Surrogate’s Office website at morrissurrogate.com.
