New Jersey Statutes Title 44. Poor 44 § 4-91.2

At any time the county welfare board may execute and file with the county clerk or register of deeds and mortgages, as the case may be, a certificate, in the form prescribed by section 44:7-15 of the Revised Statutes, showing the amount of the cost of the care and maintenance of any person at the county welfare-house or for the permanent outdoor support furnished to any person. When so filed each certificate shall be a legal claim against both the person and his estate and shall have the same force and effect as a judgment of the Superior Court, with priority over all unsecured claims except funeral expenses not to exceed one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00). No levy shall be made upon the real estate while it is occupied by the widow or widower, as the case may be. If the proceeds of sale of any personalty or real estate, as herein provided, exceeds the total amount paid for care and maintenance under this chapter, such excess shall be returned to such person, or in the event of his death, such excess shall be considered as the property of the deceased for proper administration proceedings. All funds reclaimed under these provisions shall be returned to the county.