N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:37-1

When the attorney general is informed or has reason to believe that any person has died seized of real estate within the state, without having devised it and without heirs capable of inheriting the same, he shall bring an action, summary or otherwise, in the superior court to establish whether or not such real estate has escheated to the state. The action shall be tried with a jury, and it shall be determined in the action what real estate, if any, escheated to the state. Title to real estate escheating to the state shall pass to the state on the death of such person.