Real Estate & Probate Glossary
Plain-English definitions for the legal, financial, and real-estate terms that come up when selling a house in Florida or New Jersey — especially during probate, foreclosure, and divorce.
Probate & Estate Terms
- Short Certificate (NJ) The one-page document issued by a New Jersey Surrogate's Court proving the executor's authority. Also called Letters Testamentary. Typically issued in 1-2 weeks.
- Letters Testamentary (FL) The Florida Circuit Court document — formally called Letters of Administration — proving the personal representative's authority to sell estate property. Issued in 4-8 weeks; requires Florida-licensed counsel for formal administration.
Foreclosure Terms
- Lis Pendens (FL) The recorded notice filed at the start of a Florida judicial foreclosure. Clouds title but does not prevent sale. Florida averages 8-14 months from lis pendens to auction.
- Sheriff's Sale (NJ) The public foreclosure auction conducted by the County Sheriff after final judgment. Two statutory 28-day adjournments available under Rule 4:65-2; 10-day post-sale redemption period.
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