A lifetime devoted to justice and community.
A Dedicated Public Servant
Judge Joseph S. Conte spent twenty years on the New Jersey Superior Court for Bergen County, presiding over the Criminal and Civil divisions. Before the bench he served as a municipal judge and public defender, and today he teaches Criminal Law as an adjunct professor at Bergen Community College.
He is a former trustee of the Bergen Community College Foundation, a leader in the Rotary Club, Boys Club, and Chamber of Commerce, and a former board member of New Bridge Medical Center and the Ridgewood Red Cross.
Values & Vision
The Surrogate’s Court plays an important role in protecting and guiding families through some of life’s most meaningful moments.
Probate & Wills
The Surrogate’s Court is responsible for determining whether a person’s will is legally valid and for beginning the probate process after someone dies. The court helps establish who is legally authorized to carry out the wishes expressed in the will and provides a legal framework for settling the estate. This can include identifying beneficiaries, addressing questions about the validity of the will, and ensuring that the deceased person’s wishes are carried out according to law. When there is no will, the court helps initiate the process for administering the estate under New Jersey’s intestacy laws.
Administration of Estates
When someone dies, their estate often involves property, bank accounts, investments, debts, taxes, and other financial responsibilities. The Surrogate’s Court helps appoint the appropriate person—typically an executor named in a will or an administrator when there is no will—to manage those responsibilities. The personal representative is responsible for identifying and securing assets, paying legitimate debts and expenses, addressing tax obligations, and ultimately distributing the remaining assets to the appropriate beneficiaries or heirs. The Surrogate’s Office provides oversight and legal administration to help ensure the process is handled properly and that the interests of beneficiaries are protected.
Guardianships
The Surrogate’s Court also has responsibilities related to guardianships, particularly when a minor or an individual who is unable to manage their own affairs needs someone legally authorized to act on their behalf. A guardian may be responsible for making decisions concerning a person’s care, finances, or property, depending on the type of guardianship. The court’s role is to help ensure that guardians are properly appointed and that the interests and rights of the person under guardianship are protected. For children, this can be especially important when parents are unavailable, deceased, or otherwise unable to provide the necessary care or oversight.
Adoptions
The Surrogate’s Court plays an important role in the legal adoption process, helping ensure that adoptions comply with New Jersey law and that all necessary legal requirements are satisfied. Adoption proceedings can involve reviewing required documents, ensuring that appropriate consents have been obtained, and helping move the matter toward finalization. Ultimately, the process provides a legal foundation for establishing the adoptive parent-child relationship and giving children the stability, security, and permanent family connection that adoption is intended to provide.
Community Feedback
Joseph's dedication to the community and his compassionate approach have made a significant impact on our lives.
Emily Johnson
"Joseph's commitment to families in our county is evident in everything he does. He truly listens to our needs."
Michael Thompson
"His genuine care for our community sets him apart. Joseph is a candidate we can trust."
Samantha Lee
"Working with Joseph has been inspiring. His vision for Bergen County resonates with all of us who call it home."
Contact Joseph
Get in Touch with Joseph Conte
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