If the will of a person resident in this State at death has been probated in another state or jurisdiction under the laws of which it cannot be removed therefrom or cannot remain in this State for permanent filing, a photocopy thereof attached and certified pursuant to Rule 902(d) of the Rules of Evidence (proof of official record) may be admitted to probate in lieu of the original will.
Rule 4:80-7.Use of photostatic copy where will is probated in another state
Last amended September 1, 1998 · Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 7, 2026
In one sentenceRule 4:80-7 lets a certified photocopy of a will already probated in another state be admitted to probate in New Jersey when that other jurisdiction's law won't let the original be removed or permanently filed here.
Full Text of Rule 4:80-7
Amendment History
New Jersey publishes each rule’s amendment record in a “History” note beneath the rule. It is reproduced verbatim below; the “R.R.” citations refer to the former Revised Rules numbering the current rules replaced.
Source-R.R. 4:99-10; former R. 4:80-11; amended and rule redesignated June 29, 1990 to be effective September 4, 1990; amended July 10, 1998 to be effective September 1, 1998.
Plain-English Summary
A New Jersey resident's will sometimes gets probated elsewhere first, and that other jurisdiction's rules can keep the original from ever making it to New Jersey. When that happens, a certified photocopy of the will, authenticated the same way any official record would be, can stand in for the original at New Jersey probate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a photocopy of a will be probated in New Jersey?
Yes, if the original was probated in another jurisdiction whose law prevents its removal or permanent filing here, a properly certified photocopy may be admitted instead.
Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the
official New Jersey Rules of Court (N.J. Ct. R. 4:80-7). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey (N.J. Const. art. VI, § 2, ¶ 3). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 7, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: photocopy of will probate