ABOUT CATENARO LAW

At Catenaro Law, we focus exclusively on Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, and Estate/Trust Litigation matters throughout New Jersey. By concentrating our practice in these areas, we provide knowledgeable, personalized guidance to individuals and families navigating important decisions, complex legal issues, and difficult transitions. Whether planning for the future, administering the estate of a loved one, or facing a contested estate or trust lawsuit, we are committed to protecting our clients’ interests and providing clarity and peace of mind every step of the way.

Elder Law/Estate Planning - We prepare comprehensive estate plans tailored to each client’s unique needs, family circumstances, and goals. Our attorneys draft wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare proxies, and advance directives designed to protect your assets, carry out your wishes, and provide greater peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Probate/Estate Administration - We assist executors and administrators with every stage of probate and estate administration before the County Surrogates’ Courts. From probating a will and obtaining appointment as executor or administrator to identifying estate assets, addressing creditor claims, satisfying tax obligations, and distributing assets to beneficiaries, we provide clear and practical guidance throughout the process. Our goal is to help fiduciaries fulfill their legal responsibilities efficiently and confidently while minimizing complications, delays, and the risk of disputes.

Probate Litigation - In addition, we represent clients in contested probate litigation actions in New Jersey Superior Courts. Our attorneys handle will and trust contests involving claims of undue influence, lack of testamentary capacity, and other challenges to the validity of estate planning documents. We also represent executors, trustees, and other fiduciaries who are accused of breaching their fiduciary duties, as well as beneficiaries seeking to protect their rights and interests. We guide our clients through complex estate litigation with experienced advocacy, practical counsel, and the peace of mind that their interests are being protected.

Perhaps most important, our clients benefit from thoughtful guidance and sound judgment grounded in a combination of legal experience, personal attention, and genuine compassion. We take the time to understand each client’s circumstances, provide clear and practical advice, and help them move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

About Joseph Catenaro Jr. - Joe earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Fordham University School of Law in 2006 and his Bachelors of Arts degree from Muhlenberg College in 2003.

After graduating from Fordham Law, Joe joined Lowenstein Sandler as a litigation associate. He served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Donald J. Volkert, Jr., A.J.S.C., and was also a litigation associate at Chasan Leyner & Lamparello.

Prior to opening his own practice in 2013, Joe served as Assistant Essex County Counsel, where he defended the County of Essex against a variety of claims in both state and federal courts. In that capacity, he also supervised outside counsel in high-profile claims against constitutional officers, including the Essex County Executive, Prosecutor, Sheriff, and Clerk.

Joe is admitted in the State of New Jersey and United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. He is a member of the Trusts and Estates Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association, the Essex County Bar Association & New Jersey Prosecutors Association.

In addition to his private practice, Joe currently serves as the Municipal Prosecutor for the Townships of Fairfield, Cedar Grove and Millburn.