Donald A. Dennison is an associate in the firm’s elder law department, where he focuses on guardianships, Medicaid planning, special needs and estate administration. He specializes in complex Medicaid and asset preservation planning, as well as Nursing Home and probate litigation. In addition, Donald has extensive experience helping members of the LGBTQ+ community address the legal issues that arise from aging and disabilities.

Prior to joining the firm, Donald was an associate in the New Jersey elder and disability law firm Fink Rosner Ershow-Levenberg Marinaro, LLC.

Donald earned his J.D. from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, and his B.A. from Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. While in law school, Donald was active in several pro bono projects, including the Elder and Disability Law Project which served the local community.

Donald is passionate about protecting the rights of the elderly and disabled, and frequently lectures on the subject. For several years he served as a panelist at the annual New Jersey Elder Law Retreat, and in 2021 and 2022, he delivered the retreat’s Elder and Disability Case Law Update. Donald also serves on the Executive Council for the First Congregational Church of Montclair, most recently as Assistant Treasurer for the June 2022 to June 2024 term.

In his personal life, Donald enjoys fly-fishing and hiking throughout the Northeast, painting, and spending time with his two nieces, and his dog Chloe.

  • New Jersey State Bar Association
  • Irish-American Bar Association of New York
  • Union County Bar Association
  • NJSBA Elder and Disability Law Section – Executive Committee Member
  • NJSBA LGBTQ+ Rights Division
  • NJSBA Young Lawyers Division (YLD)
  • NJSBA YLD Mentoring Program – Volunteer Mentor

Passaic County Bar Association: “Leaving Legacies Instead of Litigation:
Tips to Stay Out of Court for the Aging Population,” February 23, 2022.

LGBTQIA+ Lunch & Learn to the Metro YMCA of the Oranges, March 23, 2022.

New Jersey State Bar Association’s 24th annual Elder and Disability Law Retreat: “Case Law Update,” March 24, 2022.

NJICLE Annual Elder and Disability Law Symposium: “Case Law and Legislative Updates,” December 8, 2022.

First Congregational Church of Montclair: “A Conversation on Elder Law for All Generations,” February 19, 2023.

Hot Topics in Elder Law Speaker Series: “Myths and Misconceptions in Estate and Medicaid Planning,” March 8, 2023.

Hot Topics in Elder Law Speaker Series: “Legacies Instead of Litigation – Tips to Stay Out of Court for the Aging Population,” April 18, 2023.

  • New Jersey
  • United States District Court District of New Jersey

  • Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, J.D.
  • Kings College, B.A.

Landmark Victory: Governor Signs Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights into Law in New Jersey

March 1, 2024

On January 12, 2024, Governor Phil Murphy signed the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights (S723) into law, representing a landmark victory for labor rights groups across the state. The new law, effective July 2024, extends labor rights including, but not limited to, mandatory minimum wage, paid sick leave, and protections against unlawful termination, to over […]

Elder Law and Special Needs Newsletter: February 2024 Issue

February 16, 2024

Our February Elder Law and Special Needs newsletter is now available! In this issue, our attorneys delve into timely topics such as recent legislative developments in New Jersey. Specifically, we explore new laws designed to support drivers with Autism, as well as initiatives establishing “Presumptive Eligibility” under Medicaid’s Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program. Stay […]

New Law Creates “Presumptive Eligibility” Under Medicaid’s Home and Community Based Services Waiver Program

January 22, 2024

New Jersey Family Care Overview All Medicaid programs offered in New Jersey fall under the umbrella “NJ Family Care”. NJ Family Care consists of several different Medicaid programs, catering to both institutional services (nursing home and other long-term care facilities) and home and community-based services. Each Medicaid program has its own eligibility criteria, each of […]

Elder Law and Special Needs Newsletter: January 2024 Issue

January 3, 2024

ICYMI: The January issue of our Elder Law and Special Needs newsletter is hot off the press today! In this issue, our attorneys cover industry hot topics including Richard Miller’s recent article in Insurance NewsNet discussing beneficiary designations. Read the full newsletter here.

What Does Incapacitated Mean in Elder Law & Estate Planning?

December 28, 2023

When working with an attorney to prepare for your future and address the challenges associated with aging, you will likely come across the term “incapacitated.” Incapacitated Definition Someone who is incapacitated cannot make personal decisions or understand legal documents. An incapacitated person requires a surrogate decision-maker, such as an agent under a health care power […]

Elder Law and Special Needs Newsletter: November 2023 Issue

November 28, 2023

ICYMI: The November issue of our Elder Law and Special Needs newsletter is hot off the press today! In this issue, our attorneys cover industry hot topics including the upcoming Medicare Open Enrollment deadline, the story behind Michael Oher conservatorship and ways to save time by using the Social Security website. Read the full newsletter […]

The Michael Oher Conservatorship

October 24, 2023

In his latest vlog, Mandelbaum Barrett PC Elder Law and Special Needs Attorney, Donny Dennison, Esq. breaks down the current status of the conservatorship of Michael Oher and how it got to this point.

Elder Law and Special Needs Newsletter – October 2023 Issue

October 3, 2023

Don’t miss the October issue of our Elder Law and Special Needs newsletter. This month’s features include new vlogs and articles discussing industry hot topics. Elder Law Chair, Richard Miller, Esq. even has a Netflix show recommendation included in this issue! Read the full newsletter here.

Medicare Extra Help Program Set to Expand in 2024

September 14, 2023

Seniors and disabled citizens will receive more access to the Medicare Extra Help Program as of the beginning of 2024, the federal government announced. This expansion of benefits could enable up to 3 million people to reduce their prescription drug costs. What Is the Medicare Extra Help Program? The Medicare Extra Help Program assists older adults […]

Elder Law and Special Needs Newsletter: August 2023 Issue

August 29, 2023

Don’t miss the August issue of our Elder Law and Special Needs newsletter. This month, our attorneys have rolled out their new vlogs to discuss industry hot topics, along with a corresponding article. We have also started a new “Meet our Team” spotlight and this month’s feature is our practice group coordinator, Mariah Hernandez. Read […]

Lady Bird Deeds: A Different Kind of Life Estate

August 23, 2023

Life estates are ways for you to transfer property to another party while retaining the right to live there until you pass away, or some other event occurs. As the grantor of the life estate deed, you become a life tenant of the property. What Is a Lady Bird Deed? Lady Bird Deeds, technically known […]

Protecting New Jersey’s Nursing Home Residents from Questionable (and potentially illegal) Nursing Home Practices

July 14, 2023

The Office of the New Jersey Long Term Care Ombudsman (NJLTCO) was established under the federal Older Americans Act (1965) and exists to advocate for residents of New Jersey’s 350+ nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. The NJLCTO Office is responsible for investigating complaints of nursing home-related abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and harassment, among […]

Elder Law and Special Needs Newsletter: July 2023 Issue

July 14, 2023

The Elder Law and Special Needs Practice Groups at Mandelbaum Barrett PC are pleased to bring you their July newsletter. In this issue, our attorneys cover the Aretha Franklin estate trial and verdict, estate planning Q&A, as well as consequences of not using a Medicare Set-Aside account and the latest happenings in our department. Read […]

Elder Law and Special Needs Newsletter – June 2023 Issue

June 9, 2023

Our Elder Law and Special Needs attorneys are pleased to present their June newsletter. Check it out for articles on Hot Topics including why you don’t want to wait until you’re sick to create an estate plan. It also highlights our team’s recent and upcoming events and presentations. Read the full newsletter here.

Mandelbaum Barrett PC Elder Law and Special Needs Newsletter: February 2023 Issue

February 27, 2023

The Elder Law and Special Needs Departments at Mandelbaum Barrett PC are pleased to bring you our February newsletter in its new and improved format. Check out the Hot Topics and industry events our team has been busy with. As always, we would love to hear your feedback! Read the full newsletter here.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program Enrollment

January 6, 2023

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) will soon begin accepting pre-applications for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. The enrollment period will run from Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 at 9am until Friday, February 3rd, 2023 at 5pm. This is a federally funded program to provide housing subsidies to New Jersey residents in order […]

Elder Law and Special Needs Newsletter: January 2023 Issue

January 5, 2023

In the January issue of our Elder Law and Special Needs Newsletter, our attorneys share some of their recent articles on industry hot topics, such as “5 Reasons for Seniors to Celebrate in 2023.” We also highlight recent and upcoming events including our Elder Law Team (Richard Miller, Esq., Jason Marx, Esq., Shawna Kirchner Brown, Esq., Donald “Donny” […]

Five Ideas to Consider when Exploring Home Health Care Options for an Aging Loved One

November 18, 2022

Anyone who has considered home health care for an aging loved one will undoubtedly remember how daunting the process can be. From the foreign terminology to the overall structure of an individual care plan, enrolling a loved one in a home care program may cause a great deal of frustration for families experiencing this process […]

Filial Responsibility: Requiring Adult Children to Pay for Aging Parents’ Care

July 6, 2022

Did you know that in many states you could be responsible for your parents’ unpaid medical bills? In fact, more than half of all states currently have laws making adult children financially responsible for their parents, including their parents’ long-term care costs. However, these laws are rarely enforced. Notably, New Jersey does not have filial […]

Arbitration Clause in Last Will and Testament Found to be Unenforceable by New Jersey Superior Court

April 11, 2022

Both lawyers and non-lawyers alike are familiar with arbitration clauses found in contracts. Whether the arbitration clause is found in a nursing home admissions agreement, or everyday "adhesion contracts" (for example, contracts governing the use and enjoyment of social media platforms), arbitration clauses can be found nearly everywhere – except a Last Will and Testament according to a recent New Jersey Superior Court decision.

The Earned Income Tax Credit ("EITC") Has Been Expanded, Now Covering More People with Disabilities

March 18, 2022

For the 2021 tax year, the IRS is expanding eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit ("EITC"), an important anti-poverty measure that assists those with low incomes either avoid paying taxes altogether, or in some cases, offering those individuals tax refunds that they would not have otherwise received. One key impact of these changes is that more people without children, many of whom are also people with disabilities will also qualify. Traditionally people with disabilities have left money on the table by assuming they would not qualify for the EITC.

What is Elder Law?

March 4, 2022

When I was admitted to the New Jersey State Bar four (4) years ago, I dove into the practice of elder law headfirst and I don't regret it. Since that time, I have encountered a re-occurring question from both practitioners and non-practitioners alike: "what is elder law?" It is a fair question, and in the spirit of full transparency, the name is somewhat of a misnomer. When referring to the general practice area we call "elder law" the term "elder" encompasses both the traditional definition of an elderly person, as well as those who are disabled of any age. This expanded definition of "elder" sometimes creates confusion and leads both lawyers and non-lawyers alike to ask what exactly it is we do.

New Jersey Drastically Expands the Medicaid Workability Program Opening the Doors of Eligibility to Thousands of Residents

February 8, 2022

In New Jersey, Medicaid, specifically, New Jersey Family Care, is an umbrella term that encompasses various Medicaid programs designed to accommodate people with different asset and/or income circumstances. The one common thread that binds all Medicaid programs together, however, is that no matter the program, Medicaid is a form of means-tested benefits. In other words, in order to obtain Medicaid coverage under one of New Jersey's various Medicaid programs, an applicant's income and/or assets (resources) are measured against certain federal poverty guidelines that are modified from year to year based on the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

Two Underutilized Government Programs for Seniors May Prove Particularly Beneficial During Challenging Financial Times

January 31, 2022

One of the roles of an elder law attorney is to assist individuals and families navigate the maze of government programs established to assist the aged, blind or otherwise disabled. This article highlights two such programs that are very useful for those who qualify.

ALF Medicaid vs. SNF Medicaid

January 11, 2022

Assisted living facilities are a housing option for people who can still live independently, but who need some assistance with their daily activities. Costs can vary greatly depending on location and services offered. Medicare won't pay for this type of care, but Medicaid will, subject to the assisted living resident meeting certain requirements.

The Affordable Care Act's Estate Recovery Catch-22

December 13, 2021

Medicaid is a federal program administered through the states at the county level, and created under the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C.A. § 1396 to 1396 w-5. The various Medicaid programs in New Jersey all fall under the umbrella of "NJ Family Care." The most recent major expansion of the Medicaid program at the federal level occurred on March 23, 2010 when the Affordable Care Act a/k/a "Obamacare" was signed into law.

This National Long-Term Care Awareness Month, Make The Decision to be Proactive About Future Planning

November 5, 2021

November is National Long-Term Care Awareness month! Here are our top five tips for anyone considering a long-term care placement:

How to Use Intrafamily Loans as Part of Your Estate Plan

October 18, 2021

When interest rates are low, intrafamily loans can be a good way to assist a relative (typically a child) with purchasing a house or a family business, and in certain circumstances they can be used to gift money to the next generation.

Passing on Assets Outside of Probate: PODs and TODs

October 13, 2021

For a variety of reasons, people sometimes want some or all of their assets to pass directly to specific individuals upon their deaths, outside of probate. One way to accomplish this is to set up a "payable on death" (POD) account for money in a bank account or a "transfer on death" (TOD) account if funds are in a brokerage account.

Supreme Court to Hear Case That Could Increase the Bite That Medicaid Takes Out of Settlements

October 11, 2021

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case disputing how much states can recoup from Medicaid recipients' settlements in personal injury cases. The decision has the potential to affect anyone who receives government assistance with their medical care following a disabling injury that results in a lawsuit.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Write a Will?

October 8, 2021

A will is a legal document that directs who will receive your property when you die. The legal requirements are pretty simple. In order for your will to be valid, you must know what property you have and what it means to leave it to someone, then sign the document and have it witnessed according to the laws of your state.

Make Sure Your Estate Plan and Other Essential Documents Are Safe from Disasters

October 5, 2021

It's an unfortunate reality that with the increasing number of natural disasters across the country, including fires, floods, and hurricanes, the chance that you could lose your house and possessions has become more likely. In the event of such a calamity, it is important that your estate planning and other important documents are beyond reach and easily retrievable.

Medicaid's Bias for Institutionalized Care May Be Shifting under President Biden's Proposed American Jobs Plan

September 27, 2021

Medicaid is a federal program, administered through the states at the county level, and created under the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C.A. S. 1396 to 1396 w-5. The various Medicaid programs in New Jersey (all falling under the umbrella of NJ Family Care) are overseen by the Department of Human Services' Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services ("DMAHS").

Pandemic Payments Now Won't Affect SSI Benefits or Eligibility at All

September 22, 2021

Pandemic-related financial assistance will no longer affect an individual's eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or the benefit amount, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced. The assistance includes a long list of pandemic payments, ranging from COVID-19 relief checks to state unemployment assistance.

Recreational Cannabis Has Come to New Jersey, but the State's Medical Marijuana Program Remains Largely Inaccessible to Populations Most in Need

September 17, 2021

New Jersey's Medical Marijuana Program is administered through the State Department of Health's Division of Medicinal Marijuana. New Jersey was the fourteenth (14) state to legalize medical marijuana in January 2010 when the Legislature passed the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act ("CUMMA"), also known as S 88.

18 of our attorneys have been selected for the 2024 New Jersey Super Lawyers® list, and 5 were named to the 2024 New Jersey Rising Stars® list.

March 25, 2024

Mandelbaum Barrett PC is delighted to share that 18 of our attorneys have been selected for the 2024 New Jersey Super Lawyers® list, and 5 were named to the 2024 New Jersey Rising Stars® list. We are proud to work alongside such an exceptional team. Special shout out to Andy R. Bronsnick for making the Top […]

Mandelbaum Barrett PC to Host 1st Annual Elder Law Day

February 12, 2024

The Elder Law Practice Group at Mandelbaum Barrett PC will be hosting our 1st Annual Elder Law Day at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, NJ on Friday, March 22nd from 8:30am until noon. Elder Law Day aims to empower individuals involved in caring for and assisting the elderly and disabled, whether they are […]

Donald Dennison, Esq. Discusses Asset Protection from Nursing Home Costs in NJMoneyHelp.com Interview

January 29, 2024

“Transfers of assets into trust are typically considered gifts, therefore, this type of planning is usually done well in advance of someone needing Medicaid services.” Elder Law attorney Donald A. Dennison, Esq. from Mandelbaum Barrett PC shared insights in a recent interview with NJMoneyHelp.com. Delving into the question of whether a trust safeguards assets from […]

Donald Dennison featured in Best of Essex article discussing “Plan Today for Tomorrow”

September 27, 2023

Mandelbaum Barrett PC Elder Law attorney Donald Dennison, Esq. was recently featured in a Suburban Essex’s Best of Essex article titled “Plan Today for Tomorrow.” In the article, Donny, a 2022 Best of Essex Gold Medal winner, discusses why it’s so important to put your wishes in writing. “Most people delay this type of planning […]

Mandelbaum Barrett PC Special Needs attorneys to present “Planning for Families with Special Needs Children”

April 26, 2023

Working with parents and caregivers of children with special needs daily, we understand the importance of considering your child’s future and we have created a seminar just for you. We want to help you understand the process to ensure that you have a plan in place so that your child will continue to receive the […]

Donald Dennison, Esq. interviewed by Nina Del Rio on 106.7 Lite FM radio show discussing “Medicaid Benefits and Eligibility at the End of the PHE”

April 5, 2023

During The Public Health Emergency (PHE) caused by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (“DMAHS”) suspended routine redeterminations for most Medicaid beneficiaries. But now with the end of the PHE this month, many Medicaid beneficiaries are wondering how they will be impacted. Mandelbaum Barrett PC Elder Law attorney Donald “Donny” A. […]

The Elder Law Attorneys at Mandelbaum Barrett PC will present “Legacies Instead of Litigation” on April 18th

March 20, 2023

Our Elder Law Team will be presenting “Legacies Instead of Litigation” on April 18th at 8am at 3 Becker Farm Road in Roseland. You can attend in-person or via zoom and a light breakfast will be served. “Legacies Instead of Litigation – Tips to Stay Out of Court for the Aging Population.” The modern American […]

Donald Dennison, Esq. to Present at the First Congregational Church of Montclair and Discuss “A Conversation on Elder Law for All Generations”

February 7, 2023

Join Mandelbaum Barrett PC Elder Law attorney Donald “Donny” A. Dennison, Esq. on Sunday, February 19th at the First Congregational Church of Montclair at noon for “A Conversation on Elder Law for All Generations.” This interactive discussion will cover the importance of establishing an estate plan, spotting issues that may be resolved through the use of counsel, […]

The Elder Law Attorneys at Mandelbaum Barrett PC to Present a “Hot Topics in Elder Law” Speaker Series Starting in March

January 31, 2023

The Elder Law Attorneys at Mandelbaum Barrett PC is excited to announce our new “Hot Topics in Elder Law” Speaker Series starting March 8th at 6pm at our Roseland campus. The topic for March will be “Myths and Misconceptions in Estate and Medicaid Planning.” Please contact kdavey@mblawfirm.com or (973)243-7969 for more details and to register. […]

Richard I. Miller and Donald Dennison interviewed for ROI-NJ article titled “No small matter: Business owners can face unique planning challenges, elder law expert says”

January 12, 2023

Mandelbaum Barrett PC Elder Law Chair, Richard I. Miller, Esq. was recently interviewed for the January 11, 2023 issue of ROI-NJ discussing the challenges for small business owners in terms of long-term care planning. He also addressed the issues for business owners and their spouses to qualify for Medicaid which is often needed to pay […]

The Elder Law attorneys at Mandelbaum Barrett PC to present Estate Planning seminar at Arbor Terrace Roseland titled “7 Biggest Estate Planning and Asset Preservation Myths”

December 20, 2022

The Elder Law attorneys at Mandelbaum Barrett PC are pleased to be presenting an Estate Planning Seminar to the families of Arbor Terrace in Roseland, NJ, sponsored by TheKey, on January 11th, 2023. Moderated by Elder Law Chair Richard Miller, Esq., attorneys Jason Marx, Esq., Shawna Kirchner Brown, Esq., Donald “Donny” A. Dennison, Esq. and Jacqueline Yarmo, Esq. will discuss the […]

Donald Dennison and Lynne Strober Receive Readers’ Choice Award in Elder Law and Family Law Respectively

December 12, 2022

Suburban Essex Magazine just released their 2022 “Best of Essex” Reader’s Choice Award winners and you might just recognize 2 of them! Congratulations to Mandelbaum Barrett PC attorneys Donald “Donny” A. Dennison, Esq. of our Elder Law Practice who received the Gold Medal for Elder Law and Lynne Strober, Co-Chair of our Matrimonial and Family Law Practice, who took […]

Mandelbaum Barrett PC’s Hospitality Law Group Attends the New Jersey Restaurant Association Annual Membership Dinner

December 9, 2022

Held at the Hilton in East Brunswick, Damian P. Conforti, Robert C. Scrivo, Gary S. Young and Joel G. MacMull attended the Annual Membership dinner hosted by the NJRHA, where the Firm was once again a Michelin Star sponsor for the organization. Gary Young, general outside counsel for the NJRHA since 1996, met with board […]

Donald Dennison, Esq. to Present at the NJICLE Annual Elder and Disability Law Symposium

November 29, 2022

New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education’s Annual Elder and Disability Law Symposium is a must-attend program for every Elder and Disability Law attorney. Mandelbaum Barrett PC Elder Law attorney Donald “Donny” A. Dennison, Esq. will be delivering the Case Law and Legislative Updates during the webcast on December 8th, 2022. Learn more and register […]

Congratulations to Donald “Donny” A. Dennison, Esq., who has been elected to serve on the Executive Committee for the New Jersey State Bar Association, Elder and Disability Law Section for 2022-2023.

June 24, 2022

Donny will be serving as the Legislative Chair and his responsibilities will include presenting new state and federal legislation to the Section for review, facilitating discussions within the Section about the applicable pieces of legislation, and presenting the Section’s position to the State Bar Association if the Section decides as a whole to support / […]

Donald Dennison, Esq. to speak at the NJSBA's 24th annual Elder and Disability Law Retreat

March 10, 2022

Mandelbaum Barrett PC Elder Law attorney Donald Dennison, Esq. will be presenting a "Case Law Update" at the New Jersey State Bar Association's 24th annual Elder and Disability Law Retreat on Thursday, March 24th at the New Jersey Law Center (also presented via Zoom).

Donald Dennison to present LGBTQIA+ Lunch & Learn to the Metro YMCA of the Oranges

March 7, 2022

Mandelbaum Barrett PC Elder Law attorney Donald Dennison, Esq. will be presenting a LGBTQIA+ Lunch & Learn to the Metro YMCA of the Oranges on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022 at 7pm ET via Zoom. The discussion will cover the importance of estate planning for both married and non-married couples - especially those who have children (minors). It will also touch on New Jersey's Laws Against Discrimination.

Richard Miller, Donald Dennison and Shawna Brown to present to the Passaic County Bar Association

February 9, 2022

The modern American family has undergone drastic changes during the last two generations. Now more than ever before, second or third marriages, each with their own children, unmarried significant others and caregivers who have served as quasi-family members for aging or disabled individuals are becoming more prevalent. As the concept of the American family evolves, so should our approach to effective estate planning counseling.