New Jersey Statutes Title 3B. Administration of Estates Decedents and Others 3B § 12-21

In an action for the appointment of a guardian of the person, guardian of the estate, or a guardian of the person and estate of a minor, the surrogate's court of the county wherein he resides or, if he is a nonresident, where his real or personal estate may be, or the Superior Court, upon inquiry into the circumstances, may appoint the parents or either of them or the survivor of them as the guardian of the person, guardian of the estate or guardian of the person and estate of the minor. If neither parent or the survivor of them will accept the guardianship, then the heirs, or some of them, may be appointed as guardian. If none of the heirs will accept the guardianship, then some other person shall be appointed as the guardian of the person, guardian of the estate or as guardian of the person and estate of the minor. This section shall not be construed to restrict the power of the court to appoint a substitute guardian on the application of the minor or otherwise.