Passaic County Surrogate’s Ct

Ten stars are not enough for the team at Passaic County Surrogate Court. Judge Zoila Cassanova is truly exceptional; she has clearly set a tone of excellence and warmth that permeates the entire staff. She is a super impressive leader who sets a high bar for her team. It is clear that the Judge has cultivated a team of experts who serve as a true role model for others to follow. The Judge has created a truly exceptional staff that navigates complex processes with a brilliance I’ve never seen in any other professional setting. I was tremendously helped by Carmen Lora and Lissette Nunoz, two exceptional staff members who put me at ease the moment I walked in. They are both brilliant, impressive and incredibly efficient, helping me navigate a difficult process with true compassion - this also included initial phone conversations beginning this process and providing excellent guidance and direction every step of the way. I have never encountered a corporate or government office with this level of expertise, efficiency, professionalism, and genuine heart and pride in their work. They are true role models, and I am so grateful for the dignity, compassion, and ease they provided me. I walked in heavy-hearted and walked out feeling light and supported. This is a role-model office that others should follow. The Passaic County Surrogate’s Office is the gold standard for public service. Judge Zoila Cassanova is an outstanding leader who has cultivated a world-class team. The Judge took the time to meet me, and it is evident that her personal touch has created an environment that is both highly professional and deeply welcoming. I will forever remain truly grateful to all of them for leaving such a lasting positive impression on me. If you need to navigate this process, you are in the best possible hands here. With my deepest and heartfelt Appreciation and Gratitude to Judge Cassanova, Carmen Lora and Lissette Nunoz for their outstanding and incredible work - they are Super-Stars!

Lissette Nunez (Surrogate court Receptionist/Clerk) is a wonderful lady!! She helped me over the phone, emails, guided me on every single step to complete my paperwork, making an appointment, answered all of my questions and concerns. She is extremely courteous and patient, highly knowledgeable and detail-oriented. Thank you so much Lissette, you helped me accomplish my goal effortlessly. Your exceptional performance clearly warrants a substantial raise. I can see great success coming your way soon.

I am not even sure how to word my gratitude toward Judge Bernice Toledo and her staff, especially her Principal Court Clerk Valerie Carter. My wife was diagnosed with stage four cancer just two months after our engagement. It was her wish to get married right away, especially for legal and medical matters. Judge Toledo and Ms. Carter had to literally run throughout the court building to try and find me and help us facilitate this the day before Corona lockdown. I thought it would be impossible to set this in motion, but the court was able to get us the proper forms and documents and we were married soon thereafter. Judge Toledo even followed up to check on my wife, out of concern and pure human kindness. How can I ever say enough thanks for that? My wife is doing well now, and it is a miracle. We are planning a real wedding and were so moved by Judge Toledo's compassion we are even going to send her an invitation! How could we not? She made our dream come true.

I simply cannot say enough good things about my experience with this court. Judge Bernice Toledo and the group of compassionate and professional individuals on the surrogate court staff—particularly Ms. Valerie Carter—are stellar. I had a time sensitive, urgent matter that was truly life or death and I was treated with tremendous empathy, kindness, and urgency. I felt heard and seen, and most importantly—safe. Though I don’t know much about the inner workings of the law, I realized I could trust this court to help my family in our time of need. Perhaps the most glowing review I can offer is this: one year after my experience with Judge Toledo, I continue to hold her in my prayers. Her Honor and Ms. Carter moved mountains for me in ways I was sure were impossible, and yet she tirelessly pressed on until my family was able to get the matter at hand resolved. As a cancer patient, time is of the essence to me and she respected my situation and turned things from bleak to beautiful. Not a week goes by that I am not grateful and think of her graciousness and the gift of her expertise and remarkable care. I only wish I could give a ten star review, or for that matter, infinite stars!

Today my wife and I not only celebrate Christmas together but share our 3 month wedding anniversary! I want to thank Judge Bernice Toledo for making our special day a memorable and seamless experience! She recommended us venues to get married, walked us through the process, and ceremony. She personalized our ceremony with the experiences we told her. She was fun and very sweet, and she lead us to our most important day in our lives. Thank you again Judge Bernice Toledo for making our special day happen! I’d recommend anybody who wants to get married during this pandemic to do so, we only have one life to live!