NJ Senate Bill Expanding DP Inheritance Rights Move Forward

December 4, 2005

TRENTON—The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved legislation that would clarify whether domestic partners have the same rights in inheritance and funeral arrangements as married couples.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Adler, would ensure that registered domestic partners can automatically inherit property from a partner who dies intestate (without a valid will).

In part, the bill was prompted by the case of Betty Jordan, whose partner of 19 years died in July 2005. Jordan and Rene Price were registered in December 2004. Seven months later, Price died suddenly, leaving Jordan with uncertain rights as to her deceased partner's estate.

As a result, Jordan filed suit against the State of New Jersey in September, seeking to have her treated the same as a married spouse under the intestacy provisions of the New Jersey Probate code. The case will be heard on March 31, 2006 in the Middlesex County Courthouse, New Brunswick, New Jersey.

My firm, Hill Wallack, is representing Ms. Jordan in this matter.

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