Probate will and Refunding Bond and Release form

A friend passed away about a year ago (lived and passed in New Jersey) and, as far as I know, was unmarried, no children, and no living family members left. Recently I received a copy of the will and I (living in New York) am named in the will as a beneficiary to receive a $4500 check. 1) The executor and beneficiaries (including me) are all strangers and not blood related. I am naturally cautious if all of my friend's debts/taxes/liabilities/etc have been settled from the estate but am I correct that if it is a year later, and we're at the point beneficiaries are cleared to receive disbursements, that all known liabilities have been settled already? 2) Is there a statute of limitations (at least in New Jersey) at which point any debtors who come forward are null and void? 3) Regarding the "Refunding Bond and Release" form, am I correct that the maximum total amount I would ever have to pay back is $4500? Or is there a possibility I'd have to pay back more?