Is there any time limit on settling an estate and having it finalized after someone passes away in New Jersey?

New Jersey offers a probate shortcut, which makes it easier for survivors to transfer property left by a person who has died.  Upon the death of a person, a probate proceeding may begin by offering the decedent’s last will for probate in the county where the deceased resided at time of death.  The executor nominated in the will does this by filing an application with the court.  An estate cannot be settled until the will has gone through probate. New Jersey probate rules differ from most states due to the fact that the individual counties establish probate procedures.  The only time limit set statewide, is that a will or probate proceedings may not begin until the eleventh business day after the person has died.  There usually isn’t a penalty for delayed probate filing.  The best option is to contact the county probate court of jurisdiction for further instructions.