Michael R. Dressler, Bergen County Surrogate Judge

11/19/2025

Please don’t ever hesitate to call our office with any questions at 201-336-6700 or visit us online at www.bergencountysurrogate.com.

11/03/2025

Did you know? If you pass away without a will in New Jersey, the state decides who inherits your assets, not you! Don’t leave it to chance. Our guide shows how simple it is to create and probate a will in Bergen County.

Download the step-by-step booklet How to Probate a Will in Bergen County here: https://www.bergencountysurrogate.com/probatebooks.pdf

07/06/2023

It was an outstanding day on the Fourth in Ridgefield Park. One of my favorite parades. I was most grateful for this opportunity to get out and interact with some wonderful and extremely committed friends and neighbors who made the absolute best out of a rainy day parade. I want to thank Russ Papay, all of the organizations, and the people who attended who work and contribute year in and year out to make this one of the best parades in the country! I hope everyone had an exceptional Independence Day. God Bless America.

07/26/2018

I have been extremely busy and productive lately with work in the Surrogate's Court, scheduling educational engagements on probate and the services that we offer, and raising money for charitable causes in my free time through the Margaret and Ray Dressler Foundation. I was blessed to meet with representatives from Bris Avrohom at the Fair Lawn Jewish Day Camp and to see how successful their program has become. I was delighted to share in a meaningful exchange about government and the Surrogate's Court with a cultural tour for students and teachers from China. I even had a fortuitous run in with Emeril Lagasse on my way back from an eventful Highlands Council meeting. It is truly an honor to be involved with so many extraordinary people on so many levels.

04/03/2018

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/fair-lawn-slash-glen-rock/articles/glen-rock-council-president-and-police-officer-ho

GLEN ROCK, NJ - Glen Rock Borough Council President Kristine Morieko and Glen Rock Police Officer Annamarie Mattina were among those honored March 27, when Bergen County Executive James J....

03/12/2018

Over the weekend I was blessed to be among friends to march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Bergenfield, one of my favorite annual traditions. Not only do I look forward to the parade every year, but I look forward to the friends I meet every year along Washington Avenue, the food and the festivities. I am proud to serve with some truly great Federal, State, County and Municipal officials. Those who may deserve our deepest appreciation for their contributions to the event are the members of law enforcement and public works who tirelessly put effort in behind the scenes to make events like this one safe, secure and successful. Special thanks to everyone who worked hard to clean up the snow, ice and debris! Special thanks to all the officers on duty who kept pedestrians and motorists safe!

03/06/2018

I was recently honored to meet with a group of young men and women from Teen Leads who have taken the first steps toward understanding the complex community issues that we face in this day and age, and participation in the ongoing dialogue to resolve those issues inspired me. I am hopeful that their experiences with the Teen LEADS program may serve as the basis for a lifelong resolve of civic engagement, to become involved in the process and therefore the progress of government, the development and implementation of public policy should you continue to cultivate what you have learned. It was a pleasure to speak with them about the work of the Surrogate's Court, the importance of having a Last Will & Testament and our outreach programs. For more information on Teen Leads visit https://www.bergenvolunteers.org/teen-leads.
For more information on the Surrogate's Court visit www.bergencountysurrogate.com.

01/31/2017

Bergen County Surrogate Michael Dressler meets with a group of local residents at the Englewood Library to discuss probate, related documents and the importance of having a Last Will & Testament, a Power of Attorney and an Advance Medical Directive. For more information visit www.bergencountysurrogate.com.