Older Americans Month is an annual event dating back to 1963, when President John F. Kennedy designated May as “Senior Citizens Month”.  It was later renamed “Older Americans Month” by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 and has become a time to acknowledge the contributions that older persons have made to our communities and families.  In particular are those who defended our country.  Take some time to reflect on the older adults in your family…past and present…and how they influenced your life and family history.

Clearing Up Some Misconceptions

Recently someone asked me if they should include funeral instructions as part of one’s Last Will and Testament.  This is simply not wise, since most of the time the Will is not referred to until after the funeral!  Funeral instructions are certainly worth writing down but not as part of your Will.

Another misconception is that the Surrogate in each county sets their own fees.  This is not the case.  The fees and procedures of the Surrogate’s Court are guided by New Jersey Statutes along with Court Rules approved by the New Jersey Supreme Court.  The fees are the same in all of New Jersey’s 21 counties.

Anytime you have questions about estates, probate, powers of attorney, etc., please do not hesitate to call the Surrogate’s Court and speak to one of our knowledgable staff members.  They will give you the facts and send you additional information if needed. The better you understand the legal workings of the Surrogate’s Court, the more comfortable you will be should you need our services.

"My County" Poster Contest ~ 2014

Every year I sponsor, along with my fellow row officers, County Clerk Joe Ripa and Sheriff Chuck Billingham, the “My County” poster contest for 4th grade students in Camden County.  Students are asked to submit a poster that promotes awareness of the things that make Camden County a great place to live.  This year we had 23 schools participate and 225 entries!  Our winners were ~ 1st Place – Erin Bailey, John Glenn School, Pine Hill  2nd Place ~ Cameran Asher, E.M. Burke School, Bellmawr and  3rd Place ~ Matthew Alter, Union Valley School, Gloucester Township.  Our winners received a Barnes & Noble gift card and Adventure Aquarium Family Fun Passes at a ceremony held in April. Congratulations to all!

Senior Legal Workshops

If you are a Camden County resident age 60 and over you can acquire, at no cost, a Last Will and Testament, an Advance Directive for Health Care (Living Will), and a Power of Attorney.  To check available times and to register please call
856-566-2920.