Business Details
39 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Solutions in Fair Lawn, NJ
Paton Law Firm has provided trusted legal counsel to individuals, families, and businesses in northern New Jersey for over 30 years. Our practice focuses on estate planning, probate, business law, real estate, and elder law, combining deep legal expertise with personalized attention to client needs. We prioritize practical, cost-effective solutions while maintaining a compassionate approach to complex legal matters. Our attorneys possess extensive experience in drafting wills, establishing trusts, navigating probate processes, and advising on business transactions. We serve clients across Bergen, Essex, Passaic, and Morris counties, emphasizing clear communication and proactive guidance.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our track record of resolving legal challenges efficiently while preserving client assets and future interests. We offer free initial consultations to develop tailored strategies aligned with each client's unique circumstances. Recognized for integrity and responsiveness, we strive to build long-term relationships by delivering reliable counsel and accessible support. Our firm's stability and local market knowledge enable us to address both immediate legal needs and long-term planning objectives. Through every phase of representation, we maintain transparency, ethical standards, and unwavering dedication to client satisfaction.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Services
Business Law
Real Estate Law
Elder Law
Trust Administration
Wills Drafting
Medicaid Planning
Commercial Transactions
Asset Preservation
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of specialized legal experience in New Jersey estate and business law
- Our practice combines technical expertise with personalized, compassionate client service
- We provide practical, cost-effective solutions tailored to individual circumstances
- We maintain transparency through free initial consultations and clear communication
- Our local market knowledge enables effective representation across northern New Jersey
What people say
Extremely efficient
Very knowledgeable
Compassionate guidance
No rushed service
Thorough explanations
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services help clients protect assets and establish clear directives for property distribution. We create customized wills, trusts, and advance healthcare directives that comply with New Jersey law while reflecting individual wishes. Our approach considers tax implications, family dynamics, and long-term care needs to ensure comprehensive protection for both current and future generations.
Probate Services
We guide executors through New Jersey's probate process with efficient asset inventory, tax compliance, and distribution management. Our services include will validation, heir notification, debt resolution, and trust establishment for complex estates. We simplify legal requirements while maintaining transparency throughout the administration process.
Business Law
Our business law practice supports companies with entity formation, contract negotiation, and transactional matters. We provide strategic guidance on business structure selection, shareholder agreements, and commercial contracts while emphasizing risk mitigation and regulatory compliance for sustained growth.
Real Estate Law
We handle residential and commercial real estate matters including contract review, title examination, and closing representation. Our services ensure proper due diligence for property transfers, lease agreements, and development projects while addressing zoning compliance and financing documentation.
Elder Law
Our elder law practice addresses Medicaid eligibility, long-term care planning, and special needs trusts. We develop strategies to preserve assets while securing necessary care, including veterans' benefits applications and guardianship arrangements that protect vulnerable individuals.
People
Kimberly A. Paton
Owner/Attorney
With 30+ years of legal experience, Kimberly A. Paton specializes in estate planning, probate, and business law. She provides personalized counsel to Bergen County residents, focusing on asset protection and intergenerational wealth transfer. Her practice emphasizes clear communication and practical solutions for complex legal matters.
Questions
What estate planning documents are essential for New Jersey residents?
Every adult should have a will, advance healthcare directive, and durable power of attorney. Trusts may be recommended for probate avoidance and tax planning based on individual circumstances.
How does the probate process work in New Jersey?
Probate requires will validation, asset inventory, debt payment, and property distribution. Our firm handles court filings, executor guidance, and tax compliance to complete estates efficiently.
Can I create a legally valid will without an attorney?
While possible, DIY wills risk invalidation. Our attorneys ensure proper execution under NJ law to prevent challenges and guarantee your wishes are honored.
What's the difference between a will and a living trust?
Wills require probate while living trusts allow direct asset transfer. Trusts also enable management during incapacity and offer greater privacy regarding estate distribution.
How can Medicaid planning protect my assets?
Proper planning preserves assets while maintaining eligibility for long-term care benefits. We create compliant strategies that balance immediate needs with future security.
What business structure works best for new companies?
Structure selection depends on liability protection, tax considerations, and growth plans. We analyze these factors to recommend corporations, LLCs, or partnerships that optimize your business interests.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Eleni Rodas
Nov 18, 2021
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Ms. Paton made the process stressless and seamless. She took her time when explaining the process, paperwork involved and answering our questions. In turn she put our minds at ease and I know that our family is in good hands with the Paton Law Firm. Her staff is attentive, follows through, and communicates effectively.
Ms. Paton made the process stressless and seamless. She took her time when explaining the process, paperwork involved and answering our questions. In turn she put our minds at ease and I know that our family is in good hands with the Paton Law Firm. Her staff is attentive, follows through, and communicates effectively.
Carol Jean
Oct 29, 2021
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
I've worked with the Paton Law Firm a few times now and I've never been disappointed. Kimberly and her staff are excellent and I highly recommend this firm. Thank you
I've worked with the Paton Law Firm a few times now and I've never been disappointed. Kimberly and her staff are excellent and I highly recommend this firm. Thank you
Renee Pendergast
Oct 19, 2021
Report
I went to the Paton Law Firm to draft my Living Will, POA, and Last Will. Kimberly Paton is extremely attentive and answered all of my questions. She is very patient and speaks to her customers in laymen's terms instead of legal jargon. The whole process was very easy and informative, and I felt that I had quality documents with all of my wishes and concerns taken care of.
Frances Hanenian
Oct 18, 2021
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
Kimberly Paton and her staff were thoughtful and understanding as they helped me set up my will. I had many questions and their patience was wonderful. I completely trust them and will be returning to them in the future whenever I find the need.
Kimberly Paton and her staff were thoughtful and understanding as they helped me set up my will. I had many questions and their patience was wonderful. I completely trust them and will be returning to them in the future whenever I find the need.
E. Williams
Oct 03, 2021
Report
Kim is very personable and knowledgeable the perfect mix when you need to prepare legal documents. She has a team that is very proficient and polite. She takes her time and not only explains, she offers personal examples breaking down the law and what it means; all to ensure you understand what you are signing. She also listens attentively to understand your needs and intent. If you are looking for a trustworthy firm to represent YOUR needs. Choose The Patton Law Firm. That just sounded like a cheesy infomercial but every word is the truth.
Mary Stoll
Oct 01, 2021
Report
Thanks to Ms. Paton, the updating and tweaking of my estate planning was done to my complete satisfaction. She was generous with her time over several conference calls with my children and me, and responded quickly to emails. Ms. Paton is knowledgeable and easy to work with. The entire Paton staff treated me as a valued client.
