N.J. Stat. tit. 3B, ch. 26

in effect

N.J. Stat. § 3B:26-1 Definition of absent person

As used in this chapter, an absent person means any person who has disappeared, or been confined or detained by a foreign power. L.1981, c. 405, s. 3B:26-1, eff. May 1, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 3B:26-2 Appointment of trustee for absent person; general duties and powers

If an absent person has property in this State, which property may be wasted or dissipated unless proper management is provided, or where funds are needed for the support, care and welfare of the person or those entitled to be supported by him, and protection is necessary or desirable to obtain or provide funds, the Superior Court may in a summary action appoint one or more trustees to take charge of and manage the property. The trustee shall be under the direction and control of the court and shall have full power over the property and may commence and maintain proceedings for the conservation, protection or disposal of the property, or any part thereof, as the court may deem proper. L.1981, c. 405, s. 3B:26-2, eff. May 1, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 3B:26-3 Distribution or other disposition of property

Distribution or any other disposition of the property of an absent person may be made under direction of the court when he is presumed dead under N.J.S. 3B:27-1, or sooner if the death of the absent person is established by evidence satisfactory to the court. If the absent person returns or the need for management or protection ceases before distribution or other disposition, the trustee shall restore to him the property, after deduction of the reasonable expenses of the trust and compensation of the trustees. L.1981, c. 405, s. 3B:26-3, eff. May 1, 1982.

N.J. Stat. § 3B:26-4 Powers, duties and responsibilities of trustee or court

The trustee shall have all the powers, duties and responsibilities of a guardian of the estate of a minor, and the court shall have all the powers, for the benefit of any person, which it has for the benefit of a minor for whom a guardian has been appointed. The court shall have the same powers, without appointing a trustee, to authorize, direct or ratify any single or more than one transaction necessary or desirable to achieve any security, service, care or protective arrangement, which it has in the case of a minor for whom no general guardian has been appointed. L.1981, c. 405, s. 3B:26-4, eff. May 1, 1982.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026