The Honorable Zoila Cassanova serves as the Surrogate Judge of Passaic County, where she oversees matters relating to probate, estate administration, guardianships, and adoptions. Known for her thoughtful, compassionate approach to the law, Surrogate Judge Cassanova brings a deep commitment to justice, integrity, and public service to the Surrogate’s Court.
Since taking office, Surrogate Judge Cassanova has prioritized accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in the Surrogate’s Court. Within months of assuming the position as Surrogate of Passaic, Surrogate Judge Cassanova launched her “Make a Will” event initiative, partnering with legal services and the state bar association, as well as other pro bono legal groups, to provide FREE Last Will & Testaments, Powers of Attorney, and Advance Directives/Willing Wills to Seniors, Veterans, and first responders.
She is also a vocal supporter of initiatives aimed at modernizing court operations, such as becoming the first in the State and County government to introduce Artificial Intelligence as a means of making the Surrogate’s Court more accessible to non-English and English speakers alike, which garnered her national recognition as the 2024 National Top 100 Influencers in Local Government. She has also worked to improve the public’s understanding of probate law and guardianship, by expanding legal resources for underserved communities through multilingual information sessions and printed materials.
Passaic County Surrogate, Zoila Cassanova, Esq., is an experienced attorney licensed to practice law in New Jersey, New York, and the United States Supreme Court. Prior to her election, she built a respected legal career in both public service and private practice, serving as a trusted advisor in the areas of estates and trust, labor and employment law, medical malpractice, immigration, and criminal law. Her legal acumen, combined with a steadfast dedication to the people of Passaic County, has earned her a reputation as a strong advocate for fairness and equity in the legal system. In 2025, Surrogate Judge Cassanova was nominated by her peers to serve as Surrogate section Chief representing all County Surrogates. From 2023 to present, she has served on the Judiciary Liaison committee, working with the Judiciary to improve the Chancery/Surrogate process.
Ms. Cassanova holds a Bachelor of Science in Labor Relations, a Master of Science in Education, and was a licensed provisional New York State Teacher. She received her Jurist Doctorate from Seton Hall University School of Law, where she taught and served as Director of the Legal Education Opportunity Program and as a member of the admissions Diversity Council.
In addition to her judicial duties, Surrogate Judge Cassanova is actively involved in community outreach, mentorship programs, and continuing legal education efforts. She is committed to fostering public trust in the Surrogate’s Court and ensuring that every individual who comes before the Surrogate’s court is treated with dignity and respect. Surrogate Judge Cassanova’s work reflects her belief that the Surrogate’s Court is not just a place for legal resolution, but a cornerstone of compassion, service, and justice for families in times of transition.
Surrogate Judge Cassanova believes in the importance of mentoring and giving back to the community. She seizes every opportunity to demystify Surrogate Court, through community outreach and information. She welcomes the opportunity to visit the community and provide information about probate, guardianships, and adoptions.
Surrogate Judge Cassanova has been recognized by various groups for her professional and academic achievements, as well as her community work. Among her recent recognitions includes 2024 National Top 100 Influencers in Local Government, Surrogate of the Year – New Jersey Peruvian, Inc.; Exemplary Mother of the Year – Desfile Dominicano, NJ, Ecuadorian American Chamber of Commerce of NJ – International Woman Day’s Honoree; Fairleigh Dickerson University – Hispanic Heritage Month Honoree; International Women’s Day Purple Festival Honoree; and Passaic County Board of County Commissioners Hispanic Heritage Month Honoree. Her academic achievements include being a Seton Hall Centennial Scholar and a New Jersey Hispanic Bar Association Scholarship recipient, as well as being an inductee of the Academic Honor Societies: Delta Kappa Phi and Kappa Delta Pi.
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