Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Estate Planning & Probate Services in Massachusetts
Founded in 2008 by attorney Danielle G. Van Ess, DGVE law provides holistic legal services focused on estate planning, probate, and trust administration. Our approach combines empathy with expertise, ensuring clients receive personalized guidance through complex legal matters. With decades of combined experience, we prioritize client education and practical solutions tailored to individual family needs.Our team maintains deep involvement in professional networks and continuing education to stay at the forefront of estate law developments. We serve clients across Massachusetts with a commitment to environmental consciousness and community engagement.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate
Trust Administration
Health Care Proxy
Wills & Trusts
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of specialized experience in Massachusetts estate law
- Our team provides personalized guidance through complex probate processes
- We combine legal expertise with compassionate client education
- Our practice maintains active involvement in professional legal networks
- We prioritize environmentally conscious operations and community engagement
Associations and certifications
- Massachusetts Forum of Estate Planning Attorneys
- ProVisors
What people say
Extremely knowledgeable
Easy peasy process
Professional and caring
Comprehensive planning
Timely responses
Services
Estate Planning
We create comprehensive estate plans tailored to individual family needs. Our services include wills, trusts, and healthcare directives that protect assets and ensure your wishes are followed. Our approach combines legal expertise with personalized guidance to create practical solutions that work during life and after death.
Probate
Our team guides executors through Massachusetts' complex probate process. We help obtain court permissions, manage asset distribution, and resolve estate matters efficiently. We simplify this often-overwhelming process while maintaining compliance with state-specific legal requirements.
Trust Administration
We assist trustees in administering trusts according to grantor intentions. Our services include asset organization, tax compliance, and distribution guidance. We provide clear direction to help fiduciaries fulfill their responsibilities while minimizing legal risks.
Health Care Proxy
We create legally binding healthcare directives that ensure your medical wishes are honored. Our documents designate trusted decision-makers and outline treatment preferences. We help clients understand their options for end-of-life care planning.
Wills & Trusts
We draft customized wills and trusts that protect assets and minimize family conflict. Our documents address unique family situations while ensuring legal enforceability. We help clients create clear instructions for property distribution and guardianship arrangements.
People
Danielle G. Van Ess
Attorney & Counselor at Law
Founder of DGVE law with 15+ years of estate planning experience. Specializes in Massachusetts probate law and trust administration. Holds Juris Doctorate from Boston University School of Law and pursuing LL.M. in Taxation. Active in professional legal networks and community organizations.
Amber L. Alves
Paralegal
Paralegal with 5+ years of experience in estate planning and probate. Assists with document preparation and client guidance. Holds Criminal Justice degree from Plymouth State University. Currently pursuing further legal education.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I really need?
Every adult should have a will, healthcare proxy, and financial power of attorney. Depending on your situation, trusts may also be beneficial for asset protection and probate avoidance.
How does probate work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts probate requires court validation of wills and oversight of estate distribution. Our firm guides executors through petitioning the court, asset inventory, debt settlement, and final distribution according to state laws.
Can I update my estate plan after it's created?
Yes, we recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3-5 years or after major life events. We make it easy to update documents to reflect changing family circumstances or legal requirements.
What happens if someone dies without a will?
Intestate estates follow Massachusetts' default inheritance laws. We help families navigate the process of appointing administrators and distributing assets according to state guidelines while minimizing family conflict.
How do you handle trust administration after death?
We guide trustees through trust settlement including asset inventory, tax filings, creditor notifications, and proper distribution. Our process ensures compliance with legal requirements while maintaining beneficiary communication.
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