According to N.J.S.A. 3B:17-2, an Executor or Administrator may settle his/her account or be required to settle his/her account in Superior Court. Unless for special cause shown, he/she shall not be required to account until after the expiration of one year. An account settled in the Superior Court is a formal accounting. Most accountings are done in an informal manner. The filing of a formal accounting must be done by a Verified Complaint and Order to Show Cause. The filing fee is $ 175.00 and is filed in the Surrogate’s office.

The requirements for this accounting are set out in R.4:87-3. It is recommended that an attorney be engaged to prepare a formal accounting as it may result in additional court proceedings.