Business Details
14 Years
experience
Elder Law & Estate Planning Experts in New Jersey
Vanarelli & Li, LLC has dedicated its practice to addressing the complex legal needs of seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families in conflict. With offices in Westfield and Holmdel, New Jersey, our firm combines technical expertise with compassionate advocacy to guide clients through elder law, estate planning, Medicaid applications, guardianship proceedings, and probate litigation. Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience, including landmark cases before the New Jersey Supreme Court, and maintain certifications such as Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation. We prioritize personalized solutions that protect clients' assets while ensuring access to quality long-term care, all delivered with integrity and respect for client autonomy. 
Services
Medicaid Planning
Estate Administration
Guardianship Services
Probate Litigation
Special Needs Trusts
VA Benefits Appeals
Social Security Disability
Nursing Home Law
Will Contests
Elder Abuse Cases
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- Certified Elder Law Attorneys with landmark case experience
- Personalized asset protection strategies for long-term care
- Comprehensive Medicaid and public benefits planning expertise
- Accredited mediators for family conflict resolution
- Recognized leaders in New Jersey elder law advocacy
Associations and certifications
- National Elder Law Foundation
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
- New Jersey Super Lawyers
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
- Academy of Special Needs Planners
What people say
Excellent lawyer
Timely follow-up
Compassionate guidance
Expertise in Medicaid
Effective representation
Services
Medicaid Planning
Our Medicaid planning services help families protect assets while qualifying for long-term care benefits. We develop customized strategies to navigate complex eligibility rules, including trust creation and financial restructuring. With expertise in both New Jersey and federal regulations, we ensure compliance while maximizing client resources for quality care.
Estate Administration
We guide executors through estate administration and probate processes with efficiency and care. Our services include asset inventory, debt settlement, tax filings, and distribution planning. We prioritize minimizing court involvement while protecting beneficiaries' interests through transparent communication and legal compliance.
Guardianship Services
Our firm handles guardianship petitions for incapacitated adults and minors, including court documentation and advocacy. We represent family members seeking guardianship and serve as professional fiduciaries when needed. Our approach balances legal requirements with compassionate care planning for vulnerable individuals.
Special Needs Trusts
We create specialized trusts that preserve government benefits eligibility while providing supplemental support for individuals with disabilities. Our trusts are carefully structured to cover non-essential needs without compromising Medicaid or SSI eligibility, ensuring long-term financial security for beneficiaries.
Probate Litigation
Our litigation team handles contested estates and trust disputes with strategic advocacy. We represent executors defending will validity and beneficiaries challenging undue influence or incapacity claims. Through courtroom experience and elder law expertise, we resolve conflicts while protecting client interests in complex probate matters.
People
Donald D. Vanarelli
Founding Attorney
Certified Elder Law Attorney with 30+ years experience, lead counsel in landmark NJ Supreme Court cases, and former chair of the Elder & Disability Law Section of the NJ State Bar Association.
Chen Li
Attorney
Specializes in Medicaid planning and estate administration, recognized for client-focused approach and expertise in navigating complex public benefits systems while preserving client assets.
Questions
What areas of law does Vanarelli & Li specialize in?
We focus on elder law, estate planning, Medicaid and public benefits planning, guardianship services, probate litigation, and special needs trusts for clients across New Jersey.
How can Medicaid planning protect my assets?
Our attorneys develop strategies to protect assets while qualifying for Medicaid, including trust creation and financial restructuring that complies with complex eligibility regulations.
What makes your firm different from other elder law practices?
We combine Certified Elder Law Attorney credentials with landmark case experience and personalized service, maintaining active roles in shaping elder law policies and professional standards.
Do you offer consultations for estate planning?
Yes, we provide comprehensive estate planning consultations to create customized wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that address both current needs and future contingencies.
