Donald D Vanarelli
The Law Office of Donald D. Vanarelli • Westfield, NJ
Social SecurityEstate PlanningPersonal InjuryProbate
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Contact
Email
Phone
(908) 379-0491
Website
Twitter/X
Address
242 St. Paul Street, Westfield, NJ, 07090, US
Professional
About
With a legal career spanning over four decades, Donald D. Vanarelli stands out as a seasoned attorney dedicated to serving clients in Westfield, NJ, and beyond. Admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York, Donald is a proud alumnus of Rutgers Law School in Newark, NJ. His expertise encompasses a wide range of areas, including elder law, estate planning and administration, special needs planning, probate and guardianship litigation, family law, mediation, and collaborative law. Before embarking on his journey in law, Donald honed his analytical skills as an adjudicator for the Social Security Administration, where he assessed claims for crucial benefits such as Social Security, SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid. This experience laid a solid foundation for his understanding of the intricate legal landscape surrounding social security law, which he continues to navigate with proficiency. Donald has also distinguished himself as a law clerk for the Honorable Herbert S. Alterman, J.S.C., of the New Jersey Superior Court, gaining invaluable insights into the judicial process. As a board-certified elder law attorney, he is recognized for his commitment to excellence and ethical practice. In addition, he is accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, empowering him to advocate effectively for veterans seeking assistance with their claims. In 1992, Donald founded The Law Office of Donald D. Vanarelli, a firm that reflects his dedication to providing personalized legal services. Under his leadership, the firm has grown to include a talented team of legal professionals and support staff, all committed to delivering compassionate client care. Throughout his career, Donald has successfully litigated cases in federal and state courts and has represented clients before various administrative agencies. He is not only a passionate advocate for his clients but also a devoted family man, happily married and a proud father of three. For expert guidance in elder law, estate planning, or social security matters, Donald D. Vanarelli is the attorney you can trust.
About Social Security Law
Social Security attorneys help individuals obtain disability benefits and retirement benefits. They guide clients through the application and appeals process. Common matters include disability benefits, ssdi claims, ssi claims, appeals.
Credentials
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
Languages
Mandarin
Recognition & Involvement
Awards
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
Publications
2010 NAELA Journal Financial Exploitation of the Elderly: Impact on Medicaid Eligibility 2009 The ElderLaw Report The Impact of Financial Exploitation on Medicaid Eligibility 2009 New Jersey Law Journal Emerging Medicaid Eligibility Strategies 2009 Aging Well magazine Preventing Future Challenges To Your Estate Plan 2009 Law Office of Donald D. Vanarelli Blog Intentionally Omitting Children From Your Will
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
Speaking
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
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Updated: Jun 12, 2026