KIMBERLY A. PATON, ESQ–Sole Member of the Firm–Kimberly has been practicing law in New Jersey and New York for nearly 40 years, representing clients primarily in Bergen, Passaic, and Essex Counties, as well as throughout New York. A graduate of NYU and New York Law School, she has been licensed to practice in New Jersey, New York, and the U.S. District Court of New Jersey since 1986. Her practice focuses on Trusts & Estates and Elder Law, including Wills, Living Wills, Powers of Attorney (POA), Trusts, VA and Medicaid benefits, Asset Preservation, Estate Administration, and Guardianships. Through proper planning, Kimberly helps clients avoid costly and time-consuming issues—for example, a well-crafted POA can often eliminate the need for a Guardianship. While she does handle Guardianship matters, she strives to prevent them whenever possible. Kimberly’s background in real estate, business law, and employment law further strengthens her Trusts & Estates practice. She is also experienced with Buy-Sell Agreements, which are critical for small businesses in addressing ownership transitions, particularly after a death. In addition to her extensive legal experience, Kimberly fosters a collaborative and knowledgeable team environment. She encourages her staff to pursue continuing education through seminars and professional development, while also ensuring that all team members are cross trained in multiple areas of practice. This approach promotes firm stability and ensures clients receive comprehensive support from any member of the team. 

VERONIKA GARBER, ESQ.— Chair, Trust and Estate Administration and Guardianship Dept. – Veronika is a graduate of Touro College Lander College for Women, and Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center. She is licensed to practice law in both New Jersey and New York. Veronika manages a wide range of estates and trusts, from straightforward matters to highly complex cases, guiding clients from the initial stages through final settlement. Her work includes marshalling assets, addressing debts and expenses, paying bills, filing death tax returns, paying estate taxes, transferring real estate (including timeshares), and distributing assets to beneficiaries once Consent, Release and Refunding Bonds (CRRBs) are signed. These CRRBs serve to protect the Executor and/or Trustee throughout the process. She is also experienced in handling estates where the decedent died without a Will or where the Will is invalid. Drawing on her background in real estate, Veronika effectively manages any real estate issues that arise within an Estate, Trust, or Guardianship. Veronika leads our Guardianship Department as well. While The Paton Law Firm encourages all clients to establish a Power of Attorney to avoid the need for Guardianship, situations sometimes make it unavoidable—for example, with special needs children or elderly individuals who have lost capacity. In those cases, Veronika assists families by applying for Guardianship through the courts. Her intellect, persistence, and attention to detail make Veronika an invaluable part of The Paton Law Firm team, ensuring that every matter is handled thoroughly and efficiently.

LISA GRAF– Office Administrator/Real Estate Department/Corporate Department.–As Office Administrator, Lisa makes sure that the office runs smoothly. Lisa has been with the firm since it started in 2007. Lisa is also a wiz at making the office equipment work when the equipment gets testy. Lisa works with Kimberly on handling all of our Real Estate Transactions (including purchases, sales, refinances and leases). Lisa also works with Kimberly handling all corporate documents to create For-Profit and Not-For-Profit organizations, obtaining 501 c3 status for clients, Corporate re-organizations, creating Operating Agreements. Ms. Paton relies on Lisa’s knowledge and good judgment in protecting the clients, staff and firm.   

YIANNA GALIANOS – Estate Planning Senior Paralegal — Yianna serves as a Paralegal in the Estate Planning Department, assisting with a wide range of matters and working closely with Kimberly to manage the paperwork and documentation essential to this area of practice. Given the fast-paced nature of the estate planning department, Yianna’s support is critical to keeping operations running smoothly and ensuring that client matters are handled efficiently. Well trained and highly knowledgeable, Yianna can address many client questions directly, which helps avoid delays when Kimberly is working with other clients. Her approachable manner and attention to detail make clients feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. In addition to her paralegal responsibilities, Yianna oversees the firm’s internship program, providing guidance and training to ensure interns gain valuable experience and develop important legal and professional skills. She plays a key role in fostering the next generation of legal professionals while also contributing to the collaborative culture of the firm. Yianna’s strong organizational skills, commitment to client service, and dedication to teamwork make her an integral part of The Paton Law Firm.

DESIREE PATON – Estate Administration Paralegal–They say that death and taxes are the only certain things in life. With this in mind, Desiree is our Estate Administration paralegal. She works with our clients during these most difficult times and assists Kimberly. This includes probating the Will, accessing assets, paying bills, calculating commissions, death taxes, making distributions to the beneficiaries, and formally closing out the estate. We are proficient at working with simple and complicated estates, traditional families and non-traditional families, cooperative families, and uncooperative families. Desiree can help make this very difficult time a little more bearable. 

SHEILA GUMAFELIX- Real Estate Assistant— Sheila assists in the Real Estate Department of the firm, providing vital support to the Real Estate Department across a wide range of matters. She assists with preparing documentation, coordinating closings, and ensuring that every detail is managed efficiently, helping clients enjoy a smooth and stress-free experience. In addition to her work on real estate transactions, Sheila partners with Kimberly on Leasing and House Agreements. In today’s world, many people share housing arrangements whether with family members, romantic partners, or friends. To prevent conflicts and protect both assets and relationships, Paloma helps prepare agreements that clearly outline expectations and responsibilities.

JACQUELINE “JACKIE” CAREY – Estate Administration Paralegal – They say that death and taxes are the only certainties in life—and losing a loved one is among the most difficult challenges anyone can face. Jackie serves as our Estate Administration Paralegal, guiding clients with care and professionalism during these challenging times. Working closely with Veronika and Kimberly, Jackie assists clients through every step of the administration process, including probating the Will, accessing assets, paying bills, calculating estate taxes, making distributions to beneficiaries, and formally closing the Estate or Trust. Our team is experienced in handling estates of all sizes and complexities, whether for traditional or modern families, and in situations that may be cooperative or highly challenging. Jackie’s knowledge, compassion, and steady support help ease the burden for clients, making a difficult time a little more manageable.

ASHLEE ALERS – Front Desk Administrative Assistant/Receptionist – Ashlee is often the first person you’ll meet or speak with when contacting the firm. As Kimberly’s direct assistant, she manages Kimberly’s calendar, keeps appointments on track, and ensures meetings run smoothly. Known for her friendly but efficient style, Ashlee helps balance Kimberly’s love of conversation with the need to stay on schedule, it’s not unusual to see her give a gentle reminder when the next client is waiting. Ashlee also confirms client appointments, gathers and relays important information to Kimberly, and ensures that meetings are as efficient and productive as possible. In addition to her administrative role, Ashlee coordinates the firm’s community service initiatives. She organizes donations, advertisements, and internship opportunities with local schools, and she manages arrangements for the firm’s public education efforts, including seminars for community groups, libraries, and local businesses. Through her organization, professionalism, and welcoming presence, Ashlee helps keep the firm connected—both to our clients and to the community.

Shreya Diwan – Intern 2025- Shreya Diwan was a part of our 2025 Intern Program here at the Paton Law Firm. Going into her second year at American University Washington College of Law, Shreya holds a Bachelor of Arts in Justice and Law and Spanish Studies, with coursework in criminology and political science. Fluent in Spanish and a commissioned New Jersey Notary Public, she brings both legal knowledge and practical skills to our team. Shreya hopes to work as a prosecutor in the future and has an immense interest in criminal law. Outside of her studies, she enjoys baking, listening to music, and watching crime shows.

Anvi Batra – Intern 2025- Anvi Batra was a part of our 2025 Intern Program here at the Paton Law Firm. Going into her second year as an undergraduate student at George Washington University, Anvi is majoring in Political Science and has an immense interest in the legal field. She explored her passion early, taking law electives in high school and participating in Mock Trial. While she is still exploring different areas of law, Anvi is eager to broaden her knowledge and
experience. Outside of her academic pursuits, she enjoys reading and running.

Jordyn Gross – Intern 2025- Jordyn Gross was a part of our Summer 2025 Intern Program here at the Paton Law Firm. She is in her final year at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University and is a graduate of Pace University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts. Jordyn has experience at the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and The Pace
Women’s Justice Center, where she supported survivors of domestic violence. She plans to practice Family Law to protect and advocate for vulnerable individuals.

Madisyn Falto – Intern 2025- Madisyn Falto was a part of our 2025 Intern Program here at the Paton Law Firm. She will be attending the University of Maryland in the fall, where she plans to major in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. A graduate of Immaculate Heart Academy, Madisyn was active in her school community as a member of the varsity golf team, yearbook editor, and
production editor for the school magazine. She also worked as a Pro Shop Attendant at the New York Country Club. Madisyn has a passion for the legal field and is exploring her
options as she gains more experience. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys playing golf, reading, and spending time with friends and family.