A person (or sometimes the court) that acts on behalf or instead (in place of) another person or party, e.g. a surrogate adoption.
Law Dictionary – Alternative Legal Definition
In English law. One that is substituted or appointed in the room of another, as by a bishop, chancellor, judge etc.; especially an officer appointed to dispense licenses to marry without banns. 2 Steph. Comm. 247. In American law. The name given In some of the states to the judge or judicial officer who has the administration of probate matters, guardianships, etc. See Malone v. Sts. Peter A Paul’s Church, 172 N. Y. 260, 64 N. E. 961. Surrogate’s court. In the United States. A state tribunal, with similar jurisdiction the court of ordinary, court of probate, etc., relating to matters of probate, etc. In some of the states, as in New Jersey, this is the name of an officer who has jurisdiction in granting letters testamentary and letters of administration. 2. In some states, as in Pennsylvania, this officer is called register of wills and for granting letters, of administration in others, as in Massachusetts, he is called judge of probates.