About Mary
Mary Tom practices estate planning law in Wayne, New Jersey. She has been a partner at Weiss, Tom & Trapanese, LLC since 2000, with her current partnership beginning in 2019. The firm focuses on estate planning, probate, and elder law, serving clients throughout New Jersey and beyond. Mary has a knowledge of the legal intricacies involved in these areas, ensuring that her clients’ needs are met with precision and care. She earned her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1985. Prior to that, she received a B.A.
in Political Science from Manhattanville College in 1981. Her legal career began as a law clerk to the Hon — Amos C. Saunders, J.S.C. in 1988, where she gained inexperience in the courtroom. Following her clerkship, she joined the firm as an associate in 1989 and quickly established herself as a knowledgeable attorney in estate planning and probate matters. Most of her practice involves drafting wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, as well as guiding clients through the probate process. She also provides legal advice on elder law issues, helping families handle the requirements of long-term care planning and Medicaid eligibility.
Cases typically involve detailed discussions with clients about their goals and concerns, ensuring that their wishes are clearly articulated and legally documented. Mary is actively involved in several professional associations. She is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Lawyers and the New Jersey State Bar Association. Additionally, she serves as a trustee for the Passaic County Bar Association and has held leadership roles on the Fee Arbitration Committee - District XI, where she has contributed as both Chair and Vice-Chair. Her involvement in these organizations supports her the legal community and her dedication to improving the practice of law in her region. In addition to her legal practice, Mary is known for her mentoring of young attorneys and her contributions to legal education. She often participates in workshops and seminars, sharing her expertise in estate planning and elder law with others in the field.
Her experience and dedication to her clients have earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor in her areas of practice. Mary is licensed to practice in New Jersey, New York, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Tax Court. Her diverse legal background and commitment to her clients make her a valuable asset to both her firm and the community. She continues to advocate for her clients' best interests, ensuring that their legal needs are met with the highest level of professionalism.
