Burlington County Surrogate
Brian J. Carlin has served as Burlington County Surrogate since 2022, bringing decades of legal and public-service experience to one of the county's most personal offices. As Surrogate, he oversees a staff of nine and an office that opens approximately 3,200 new cases each year — handling probate, estate administration, guardianships, and adoptions with empathy, compassion, and respect. After taking office, he and his staff cleared the backlog of the COVID-era through cross-training of staff. That practice has continued to ensure reliable, quality services to residents throughout his term.
A practicing attorney since 1986, Brian has focused his career on estate planning and administration, estate litigation, and guardianship proceedings, drafting between 750 and 850 wills — not one of which has ever been rejected by a Surrogate's Court in New Jersey or a Register of Wills in Pennsylvania. He earned his B.S. in Accounting from St. Joseph's University and his law degree from Widener University School of Law.
Brian's commitment to his community runs deep. He served on the Burlington Township Board of Education and Township Council — including as President Pro Tem — and as Mayor of Burlington Township from 2011 to 2021. He has also served as solicitor for the Borough of Fieldsboro and on the planning and zoning boards of Bordentown Township.
A longtime resident of Burlington Township, Brian is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.