Hackensack & Bergen County Legal Resources
Hackensack serves as the judicial and administrative heart of Bergen County. If you are dealing with a legal issue such as probating an estate, filing a civil lawsuit for medical malpractice, or reporting elder abuse, you will likely need to interact with the county offices located here.
We have compiled this directory to help Northern New Jersey residents locate the correct physical offices, understand filing hours, and find local legal aid.
Bergen County Justice Center Information
The Bergen County Justice Center handles major civil litigation, including medical malpractice and nursing home neglect lawsuits filed in the Superior Court.
- Physical Address: 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
- General Phone: (201) 371-1111
- Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
- Parking: Public parking is available in the Court Plaza garage and surrounding municipal lots.
Surrogate's Court (For Probate Matters)
If you need to probate a will, file a caveat to contest a will, or handle the administration of an estate without a will, you must visit the Bergen County Surrogate's Court.
- Physical Address: 2 Bergen County Plaza, Suite 5000, Hackensack, NJ 07601
- Phone: (201) 336-6700
- Important Note: The Surrogate's Court requires original documents (like the original Last Will and Testament and a certified death certificate) with a raised seal. Copies are generally not accepted.
Reporting Elder Abuse in Bergen County
If you suspect a loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse or neglect in a Bergen County facility, immediate reporting is critical.
- Emergency: Call 911 immediately if the resident is in imminent physical danger.
- NJ Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Call 1-877-582-6995 to report abuse in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
- Bergen County Adult Protective Services (APS): Call (201) 368-4300 for investigations regarding vulnerable adults living in the community.
Local Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services
For residents who cannot afford private legal representation, several organizations in Hackensack provide assistance:
- Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS): Located at 190 Moore Street, Suite 100, Hackensack. They provide free legal representation in civil matters to low-income residents. Phone: (201) 487-2166.
- Bergen County Bar Association: Offers a lawyer referral service. Phone: (201) 488-0044.