NJ A3178

Allows "interested persons" (deputies, named executors, spouses, adult descendants, parents, or siblings) to open a decedent's safe-deposit box by presenting a death certificate and affidavit stating they believe the box contains a will or burial documents

Requires the lessor to remove any original will or codicil found and deliver it by certified/registered mail to the Surrogate of the county where the decedent resided or where the box is located

Provides the interested person with photocopies of the original will, trust instrument, or burial documents; no other contents may be removed under this procedure

Prohibits the lessor from opening the box if letters testamentary have already been issued, the box was previously opened under this section, any objection has been received, or the key/combination is unavailable

Takes effect 180 days after enactment and applies to safe-deposit boxes of decedents dying on or after the effective date