Business Details
9 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning & Real Estate Lawyers in Watchung
Founded in March 2017, J. A. Centanni Law provides specialized legal representation in estate planning, probate administration, and real estate law across New Jersey. Our founder, Jillian A. Mandarino, Esq., brings extensive experience from top-tier law firms, having represented Fortune 100 companies in complex litigation before establishing this practice. With over 100 completed estate planning documents and real estate transactions, we combine technical expertise with personalized service to protect client assets and ensure peace of mind.Our firm's accoladesincluding Super Lawyers Rising Star recognition (2017-2020) and American Institute of Legal Counsel awardsreflect our commitment to excellence. We prioritize responsiveness, compassion, and efficiency while maintaining active community involvement and professional leadership roles.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Real Estate Law
Advance Directives
Powers of Attorney
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We've completed over 200 estate and real estate legal documents
- Our founder trained at top 100 law firms with Fortune 500 experience
- Recognized in Super Lawyers Rising Star list for 4 consecutive years
- Active in legal community leadership and professional publications
- Personalized service combining technical expertise with compassionate guidance
Associations and certifications
- Super Lawyers Rising Star
- American Institute of Legal Counsel
Services
Estate Planning
We create comprehensive estate plans including wills, trusts, and advance directives to protect assets and ensure client wishes are honored. Our process minimizes tax burdens while establishing clear asset distribution plans. Services address guardianship for minors and healthcare directives.
Probate Administration
Guiding executors through estate administration including asset collection, debt payment, and tax compliance. We handle court filings and beneficiary distributions while ensuring adherence to New Jersey intestacy laws when no will exists.
Real Estate Law
Representing clients in residential and commercial property transactions including contract review, title insurance, and transfer processes. Our services cover attorney review periods, contingency management, and tax compliance for buyers and sellers.
Advance Directives
Creating legally binding healthcare directives and powers of attorney to ensure medical wishes are followed. Documents comply with New Jersey regulations while providing clear guidance for healthcare decision-makers during incapacity.
Powers of Attorney
Drafting financial and healthcare powers of attorney to designate trusted representatives. Documents establish clear authority for decision-making while maintaining compliance with state-specific legal requirements and preventing court intervention.
People
Jillian A. Mandarino
Founder and Owner
Jillian Mandarino, Esq. founded J. A. Centanni Law after working at top national law firms. With over 100 completed estate and real estate cases, she's recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2017-2020) and published author on estate planning.
Questions
What estate planning documents are essential for New Jersey residents?
Every adult should have a will, advance directive, and power of attorney. These documents ensure asset distribution according to your wishes and establish healthcare decision-making authority.
How does probate work when someone dies without a will?
New Jersey's intestacy laws determine asset distribution. The court appoints an administrator, and family members may petition for guardianship of minors, but final decisions rest with the court.
Why do first-time homebuyers need a real estate attorney?
Attorneys handle contract review, title insurance, and compliance with New Jersey's specific real estate laws. We protect your interests during inspections, mortgage contingencies, and property transfers.
What are the tax implications of estate administration?
Estates with over $600 income require federal tax returns. New Jersey eliminated estate taxes for deaths after 2018, but inheritance tax returns may still be required depending on beneficiary relationships.
Can I create my own estate planning documents online?
While possible, online forms often fail New Jersey's strict legal requirements. Improperly executed documents may require court intervention, increasing costs and delays during an already difficult time.
Reviews (4)
Matt Achilarre
Aug 29, 2021
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Jillian is a phenomenal real estate attorney. From her thorough review of the contracts, to her extremely diligent management of the transactions through closing, we would not have closed without her her. Jillians experience in the business affords her the keen eye in the fine print to alert you if your buyer or seller may not be acting in good faith. Her ability to understand, forecast, remedy and advise on all aspects of the transaction and its players make her truly one of the best in her profession. It was so incredibly reassuring to know that every step of the transaction was under constant
Gale Wachs
Dec 09, 2020
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Jillian has provided legal services for me in two real estate transactions. She impressed me from our first meeting as a consummate professional. She communicated regularly and quickly responded to my inquiries. She immediately followed up with other attorneys and negotiated effectively when needed. Jillian efficiently oversaw and managed all the preparation with numerous parties that was needed to assure a timely closing of both transactions. I will continue to retain her services for future real estate matters and I recommend her very highly.
Mackenzie Blasch
Oct 07, 2020
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We were referred to Jillian by our mortgage broker. We are so happy we used her. Jillian is through, reasonable, and responsive. She helped my husband when he sold his house and navigated a difficult situation for him. She then helped us with our new house closing and the process was seamless. Highly recommend.
Ajr
Sep 30, 2020
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Jillian represented us for our purchase and closing on our new home. It was almost effortless on our part due to her quick responses and great advice on many issues. Any issues that arose prior to closing we're handled quickly and without delay. We couldn't be happier! Jillian has the knowledge and expertise we were looking for for our closing. We definitely made the right choice for someone to represent us on our home purchase and going forward as well. Highly recommended.
