N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:33-12

From the inventory of the property appraised, the tenant, or in his absence, his agent, attorney, or member of his family, may select articles, the value of which, according to the appraisement, shall not exceed $500. If the tenant, or member of his family, his agent or attorney, cannot readily be found, the selection may be made by the appraisers to be reserved for the family's use.