Donald D Vanarelli

PRO

Donald D Vanarelli

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 42 years

Elder law Lawyer at Westfield, NJ
Practice Areas: Elder Law, Estate Planning, Guardianship ... +11 more

242 St. Paul Street, Westfield, NJ

About Donald

Biography

Practice Areas

14

Practice Areas

Other 9%

9%
Alimony 7%

7%
Appeals 7%

7%
Elder Law 7%

The Law Office of Donald D. Vanarelli devotes a significant portion of its practice to the field of Elder Law, a legal a legal specialty focusing on the special needs and legal problems of the elderly, the disabled and their families.

7%
Estate Planning 7%

Estate Planning is important, no matter what the size of your estate may be. Through proper estate planning, you ensure that your assets will go to your intended beneficiaries, prevent squabbling among your heirs and financial confusion after death.

7%
Family 7%

7%
Guardianship 7%

The law firm represents family members and others in legal proceedings for the appointment of a guardian for an incapacitated person.

7%
Health Care 7%

7%
Litigation 7%

The litigation attorneys with the Law Office of Donald D. Vanarelli bring the requisite experience and knowledge to a wide range of probate litigation, including will contests, estate challenges and contested guardianship lawsuits.

7%
Mediation 7%

7%
Medicaid and Medicare 7%

7%
Probate 7%

7%
Social Security & Disability 7%

7%
Trusts 7%

7%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in New York for 42 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1984

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Licensed in New Jersey for 42 years

State: New Jersey

Acquired: 1983

Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Law Office of Donald D. Vanarelli

242 St. Paul Street, Westfield, NJ, 07090

VanarelliLaw.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Donald online.

Donald D Vanarelli's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

9 Client Reviews

5 star (8)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by Dr Mark | January 18, 2018 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Personal recommendation

I have never retained Mr. Vanarelli as an attorney. But I do remember him from college when he was part of a student exchange program at California State University-Chico from Montclair College in New Jersey. Even back then Don was known for his intelligence, compassion, integrity and honesty. Those ...are definitely qualities would look for in an attorney.

Posted by Peter | October 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Guardianship Proceeding/Wills

We initially hired Mr. Vanarelli's law firm to initiate a guardianship proceeding on behalf of our young adult son with special needs. While we were at it we decided to update our wills and related documents. From the consultation through the court order, we received thoughtful consideration of our n...eeds, advice, guidance and support, along with expertise and experience. It was a stressful process for us that was made much easier by Don and his very caring staff. and we achieved our goals without any unnecessary stress or problems.

Posted by Gail | September 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Experienced, Smart, and Compassionate Attorney

We hired Mr. Vanarelli to plan our mother's estate and later to prepare her Medicaid application. Because his office executed both of these tasks so expertly and with such respect and kindness, we were all put at ease and many family resources were secured. Mr. Vanarelli and the staff in his office w...ere all topnotch, and extremely thorough. They responded quickly to questions and kept us informed throughout the lengthy and complicated Medicaid application process, which ultimately resulted in an approval. Our experience was completely satisfying, and we wouldn't hesitate to hire him again if the need ever arises.

Posted by Kevin | March 23, 2014

Awesome Attorney!

I am a disabled veteran who was in need of an attorney who is well versed in how the Veterans Administration administers disability ratings. Mr. Vanarelli was more than qualified to meet this requirement as well as the parameters of my specific claim. He and his law firm provided me with outstanding ...representation and efficient guidance. Furthermore, his knowledge and professionalism led to a positive outcome for which I am forever grateful for. Additionally, his skill as an attorney achieved the maximum disability benefit on my behalf and he made every effort to assure this within the final outcome. He has years of experience in dealing with disability claims and this experience led to a successful claim on my behalf; I could not have done it on my own without him and his law firm. Furthermore, he and his law firm had properly guided me at every step of the process and they engaged with me on a regular basis to make sure that each objective was being met. At first, I was reluctant to hire an attorney at all; but now I know that would have been an extremely terrible mistake on my behalf. Before I hired Mr. Vanarelli, I asked him for his best judgment on my specific case and he graciously provided it. That's when I knew for sure that he was the representation I was looking for. Not once did I feel as if my case was not being given the attention it needed from Mr. Vanarelli and his law firm. This really made me feel comfortable with the entire process as well as completely satisfied with the representation I was being afforded. Mr. Vanarelli made sure that I was in the loop throughout the entire process and this really benefitted me when it came time to proceed to my hearing. He and his law firm reviewed all of the evidence that was obtained and then they followed-up with me to make sure if there was anything else that needed to be accounted for. They also put together a review packet which assisted me in my preparation so as to be on track during the hearing. This really helped! Also, Mr Vanarelli and his law firm reflected a genuine concern for my needs and disability issue. They did this by checking up on my wellbeing; both physical and mental, on a regular basis. He and his law firm continually made suggestions and recommendations when it came to medical stuff for which I did not consider. For example, they recommended that I see an outside dermatologist. I did just that and because of this recommendation I was able to achieve a better and more precise evaluation of my disability. It is fair for me to state that Mr. Vanarelli will go to great lengths; under the law, to achieve the best outcome for his clients. He has a lengthy portfolio of experience for which to draw upon and he even referenced a prior case to the judge that was similar to mine. This really helped me to win my claim because it greatly reflected his knowledge of the law. Furthermore, I live all the way across the U.S. from Mr. Vanarelli and his law firm; yet, the communication between us was so proficient that I didn't even notice. If your a veteran who is seeking a disability claim, or a disabled veteran seeking an increase in disability, then I highly recommend Mr. Vanarelli and his law firm. They will not leave you unattended. Furthermore, Mr. Vanarelli will give you 100% solid representation with a genuine concern towards your specific need(s). He and his firm are fully dedicated towards the success of the client and they will work extremely hard to compile, analyze, and distribute all of the facts at hand. From where I stand, you really cannot ask for much more because I'm living proof of how dedicated and driven Mr. Vanarelli is at achieving success on behalf of his clients.

Posted by Rand | June 20, 2013

Donald D. Vanarelli Review

Mr. Vanarelli and his staff handled my mother's estate planning with ultimate professionalism, and responded in a timely manner in all of our exchanges of information and documents. He explained the meanings of some of the legal verbiage clearly, so we had a full understanding of what the documents ...contained. I would not hesitate to use his services again.

See All Client Reviews

Donald D Vanarelli's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Donald
Christina Samayoa Vanarelli headshot
Christina Vanarelli

Estate planning lawyer | Mar 02

Relationship: Family member

"Cares about his clients and does his very best every time ... has argued brilliantly in front of NJ supreme court...what a treat to watch!"

Brad Michael Micklin headshot
Brad Micklin

Elder law lawyer | Jun 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Donald Vanarelli is an experienced attorney whose participation and comments in Avvo show his commitment to serving clients as well as his level of experience. He is an excellent attorney that I recommend wholeheartedly."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Apr 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Joseph C Noto headshot
Joseph Noto

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I known Don for quite a few years and he is an excellent mediator as well as an elder law attorney. We trained together for mediation and I would recommend him to people seeking a mediation or elder iaw advice."

Kathryn Ann Gilbert headshot
Kathryn Gilbert

Elder law lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Don is very knowledgeable and hardworking. I turn to him with all of my elderly clients needs. I highly recommend him."

Thomas Devlin Begley III headshot
Thomas Begley

Elder law lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Don Vanarelli is one of the foremost elder law attorneys in the State of New Jersey. He is a tireless advocate for the elderly and disabled. His knowledge is superseded solely by his compassion for others. I would recommend Don to any prospective client."

Andrew John Economos headshot
Andrew Economos

Family lawyer | Jun 09

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I found Donald to be very reasonable and professional. It is clear that his clients' best interests are his paramount concern."

Michael P Hrycak Esq. headshot
Michael Hrycak

Elder law lawyer | May 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. He has been very informative, helpful and is responsive to clients and fellow attorneys. I have relied upon his advice and counsel in the areas of elder law and Surrogate Court practice, in both New Jersey and New York. I refer clients to Mr. Vanaerilli and his associates."

View All Endorsements
Kathryn Ann Gilbert headshot
Kathryn Gilbert

Divorce and separation lawyer

Andrew John Economos headshot
Andrew Economos

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Marilyn Askin Lifetime Achievement Award, New Jersey State Bar Association’s Elder and Disability Law Section

2015

Named to, New Jersey "Super Lawyer" List

2014

Named to, New Jersey "Super Lawyer" List

2013

Namd to, New Jersey "Super Lawyer" List

2012

Named to, New Jersey "Super Lawyer" List

2011

Named to, New Jersey "Super Lawyer" List

2010

Named to, New Jersey "Super Lawyer" List

2009

Named to, New Jersey "Super Lawyer "List

2008

Accredited Veterans Attorney, Department of Veterans Affairs

2008

Named to, New Jersey "Super Lawyer" List

2008

Recognized as one of the top 25 mediators in NJ, NJBIZ magazine

2007

Named to, New Jersey "Super Lawyer" List

2004

Member, Council of Advanced Practitioners (invitation only)., National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

2004

Lead Counsel, In re Keri, 181 N.J. 50 (2004), a landmark NJ Supreme Court guardianship / elder law case.

2000

"AV" Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

1998

Certified Elder Law Attorney, National Elder Law Foundation

1997

National Certified Guardian, Center for Guardianship Certification

1987

Accredited Professional Mediator, New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators

N/A

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

1996 - Present

Co-Founder, Elder Mediation Center of New Jersey

1992 - Present

Owner, Law Office of Donald D. Vanarelli

1900 - Present

Principal, Vanarelli & Li LLC

1983 - 1984

Law Clerk, Superior Court of New Jersey

1982 - 1983

Internship, United States Court of Appeals for the Third Judicial Circuit

1981 - 1982

Internship, Securities and Exchange Commission

1980 - 1981

Summer Associate, Schering-Plough Corporation

1974 - 1980

Social Insurance Representative, Social Security Administration

1972 - 1974

Volunteer, Peace Corps

Associations

2010 - Present

New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators

Director

2008 - Present

New Jersey Collaborative Law Group

Co-Founder

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (New Jersey chapter)

Past Secretary

Somerset County Bar Association, Elder Law Committee

Past Chairman

Union County Bar Association, Elder Law Committee

Member

National Guardianship Association

Member

Academy of Special Needs Planners.

Founding Member

New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance

Insurance Producer, Certified in Long Term Care.

Superior Court, Union County, Chancery Division

Union County Probate Early Settlement Panelist.

National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives

Member

National Organization of Veterans Advocates

Member

2010 - 2011

New Jersey State Bar Association, Elder and Disability Law Section

Chair

Sample of Legal Cases

Saccone v. Police and Firemen’s Retirement System, Docket No. A-49-071841 (September 11, 2014)

Ruling in favor of plaintiff, reversing contrary decisions by lower courts and administrative agencies

Galletta v. Velez, Civil No. 13-532 (D.N.J. June 3, 2014),

In favor of plaintiff, reversing a denial of an application for Medicaid benefits

In the Matter of the Trusts to be Established in the Matter of the Estate of Margaret A. Flood, Deceased

Application Granted.

G.L. v. Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services and Middlesex County Board of Social Services

Denial of Eligibility for Medicaid Reversed

In re Keri

Per Curiam decision in favor of plaintiff

E.F. v. Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services and the Union County Board of Social Services

Reversed denial of eligibility for Medicaid

See More Legal Cases

Education

2007

Elder Decisions, A Division of Agreement Resources, LLC

Certificate

2007

Jersey Shore Collaborative Law Group

Certificate

2004

Institute for Dispute Resolution of New Jersey

Certificate

1989

Somerset - Middlesex Inn of Court

Certificate

1987

University of Virginia School of Law Institute of Trial Advocacy

Certificate

1983

Rutgers University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1972

Montclair State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

N/A

California State University, Chico

Montclair - Chico Domestic Exchange Program

Speaking Engagements

2009

New Jersey State Bar Association Annual Meeting Ethical Issues Involved In Representing Clients With Diminished Capacity

2008

Advanced Elder Law Institute Financial Exploitation of the Elderly

Publications

2009

2009

Law Office of Donald D. Vanarelli Blog Intentionally Omitting Children From Your Will

2009

2009

November 2009 NAELA Conference Materials Post-Incapacity Planning Through Guardianship

2009

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) Post-Guardianship Public Benefits Planning

2008

New Jersey Lawyer Elder Mediation

Languages

Mandarin

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution