(01-26-2001)
As far as being listed incorrectly as a resident of New Jersey, that might just be an unintentional error on her part, but if you feel that it needs to be corrected then you need to write a letter to the New Jersey Vital Statistics Office that handles the death certificates to mention how it can be corrected.
The only thing is that the city where the person dies is the area that takes jurisdiction in probate law, so NEW JERSEY probate law will apply, NOT New York, even though I guess he lived there for most of his life as a resident.
Since there is no will, she can not be called an "executor", but rather the preferred term is "personal representative or administrator" of the estate. She has to file an application with the Probate Court at the county courthouse in New Jersey (that is closest to whatever city he died in) to get that position, but there will be a hearing in the probate court to review her petition. If you object to her having that position, then you need to write a letter to that Probate Court asking to be notified whenever she files the papers for that estate.
Anyhow, there is no guarantee that she will be approved to be administrator, since the estate is considered "intestate" (without a will) and will be divided up according to predetermined New Jersey state law. If possible, you need to consult with a New Jersey attorney in the city where your father died, but only if you think you can afford the fee.
With the attorney's help, you may be able to figure out a strategy that would prevent her from getting everything and that the assets might be distributed more evenly in your favor, depending on what the law is in New Jersey.
Also, you didn't mention where you live, but if you have a chance to visit a local library, you should try to look at the New Jersey state law probate code to see what it says about intestate estates.
SINCERELY,
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