Paula J. DeBona

Attorney

Paula was admitted to the Bar of New Jersey in 1984. She is also admitted to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Paula received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1971 and her Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1984. While in law school, she served on the Seton Hall Legislative Bureau and received the American Jurisprudence Award in Criminal Law.

Her areas of practice include estate planning, estate administration, real estate and elder law. She has developed comprehensive estate plans for over 1000 clients and has experience in guardianship proceedings, probate litigation and adult adoptions. Her clients appreciate her calm and approachable manner.

Prior to joining the firm, her practice also included the representation of municipalities and local boards of health in all areas of local government law including matters before the Law Division and Appellate Division. She also attended governing body meetings, drafted contracts, ordinances and resolutions, handled affordable housing matters and the acquisition and sale of municipal property.

Before pursuing a legal career, Paula spent nine years as a scientist in biological research working at Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York and at the Roche Institute for Cell Biology in Nutley, New Jersey and has several publications.

Paula was appointed by the New Jersey Supreme Court to the District X Fee Arbitration Committee for the 2008-2012 term, and appointed to serve as Chair during the 2011-2012 term.

She is a member of the New Jersey Bar Association - Real Estate, Trust and Estate Law Section and Elder Law Section.