Advance Directive

New Jersey’s Advance Directive form consists of two parts. It authorizes a healthcare proxy and specifies an individual’s living will. Signatures of the individual, proxy, and two witnesses are required.

How to Order a Death Certificate

The following persons can order a death certificate in New Jersey:

• Deceased’s immediate family members of legal age
• Deceased’s legal guardian or representative
• Federal agency members
• Anyone with a dedicated court order
• Bank or insurance company employees persuading official business

The following information is required for application:

• Deceased’s name and social security number
• Names of deceased’s parents and spouse
• Date and place of death
• Applicant’s name, phone number, and mailing address
• Applicant’s relation to the deceased or another reason for the request and proof of the fact
• Copy of applicant’s government-issued photo ID
• Number of copies required

The certificate along with one certified copy costs $25. An additional certificate copy ordered at the same time costs $2.

The application can be handed in person to the local health department or by mail:

New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services

Vital Statistics and Registration

P.O. Box 370

Trenton, NJ 08625-0370

Digital Estate Planning Laws

AB 3433 Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill came into effect on September 17, 2017.

Death With Dignity or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

New Jersey’s terminally ill residents can opt for an assisted death since August 1, 2019. More information can be found here.

Organ Donation Registry

New Jersey’s organ donation registry can be accessed here.

Practitioner Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST)

New Jersey’s POLST form should be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on New Jersey’s legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in the following acts:

• Title 3A: Administration of Estates – Decedents and Others
• Title 3B: Administration of Estates – Decedents and Others

Estate and Inheritance Tax

New Jersey has an inheritance tax of up to 16% with no exemption threshold.