Michelle L. Scanlon

Michelle L. Scanlon is a Member in the firm’s Elder Care & Special Needs Law and Estate Planning and Administration & Wealth Preservation practice groups, where she focuses her practice on assisting individuals and families with a range of complex estate and tax planning issues.

Michelle serves as a calming resource for her clients as they navigate challenging instances in their life. She represents and advises her clients regarding all matters related to estate planning, estate administration, trust administration, special needs planning, long-term care planning and advocacy, fiduciary representation, public benefits, including Medicaid, guardianships, and other elder care-related issues.

She has extensive experience drafting estate planning documents including wills, revocable trusts, various irrevocable trusts, Medicaid asset protection trusts, supplemental needs trusts, special needs trusts, durable powers of attorney, advanced healthcare directives, and psychiatric advance directives. Michelle works with her clients to design and implement plans that meet their personal goals and needs.

Michelle understands the serious effect guardianship has on an individual’s rights. She counsels individuals regarding the need for guardianship over a family member or loved one. She also serves as counsel to individuals who are seeking to challenge the need for guardianship over themselves. As a court-appointed plenary guardian for individuals who do not yet qualify for the Office of Public Guardian, Michelle shows her compassion and respect for each individual’s unique needs.

Prior to joining Norris McLaughlin, P.A., Michelle was an associate at a high-net-worth boutique estate planning law firm and an elder law firm. She has also worked as a special education attorney representing families with children with disabilities to help them access the education they are entitled to by state and federal law.

Michelle is a frequent speaker at senior living facilities, hospitals, and support groups presenting on Medicaid, Special Needs Planning, and Senior protection from fraud. She has co-authored the firm’s Elder Care blog, Peace of Mind. She is currently serving as the Legislative Coordinator for the Elder and Disability Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association and is Co-Chair of the Elder, Estates & Tax Law Committee of the Somerset County Bar Association. 

In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and visiting the Jersey Shore.

Michelle was recognized in the Somerset County Business Partnership’s 2025 40 Under 40. She also was recognized in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch^® in America in the area of Trusts and Estates. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Click here to review award methodology.