Business Details
18 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning & Probate Services in Hingham, MA
Founded in 2008 by attorney Danielle G. Van Ess, DGVE law provides compassionate, holistic legal services in estate planning, probate, and trust administration. Our Massachusetts-based team prioritizes empathy and client education, guiding families through complex legal processes with personalized attention. We specialize in creating tailored estate plans that protect assets, appoint trusted guardians, and ensure medical wishes are honored.Our practice emphasizes transparency, with flat-fee pricing and comprehensive support for clients navigating end-of-life planning or post-death administration. Recognized for our community involvement and professional leadership, we combine decades of experience with ongoing advanced legal education to deliver reliable, client-focused solutions.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Trust Administration
Will Preparation
Health Care Directives
Guardianship Planning
Probate Court Representation
Trust Funding Assistance
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ years of specialized estate planning experience with personalized guidance
- Our team provides transparent flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs
- We combine advanced tax law education with practical, client-centered service
- Our local Massachusetts team handles all matters in-house with continuity
- We offer comprehensive post-planning review services every 3 years
What people say
Knowledgeable staff
Compassionate approach
Thorough planning
Responsive team
Peace of mind
Services
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans that protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honored. Our comprehensive approach covers wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and guardianship appointments. We educate clients about tax implications and asset protection strategies while considering family dynamics and future needs. Our process includes document preparation, asset titling guidance, and ongoing plan maintenance.
Probate Administration
Our team guides executors through Massachusetts probate court procedures to settle estates efficiently. We handle court filings, creditor notifications, tax filings, and asset distribution while minimizing family conflict. We explain legal requirements clearly and manage complex paperwork to reduce the burden on grieving families during this challenging time.
Trust Administration
We assist trustees in administering living trusts privately without court involvement. Our support includes asset inventory, tax compliance, beneficiary communications, and proper distribution procedures. We help trustees understand their fiduciary duties while maintaining organized records to prevent future disputes and ensure smooth transitions.
People
Danielle G. Van Ess
Attorney & Counselor at Law
Founder of DGVE law with 20+ years legal experience, specializing in estate planning and probate. Holds Juris Doctorate from Boston University School of Law and pursuing LL.M. in Taxation. Active in Massachusetts legal community and recognized for compassionate client service.
Amber L. Alves
Paralegal
Joined DGVE law in 2019 with prior estate planning experience. Handles document preparation and client support while pursuing legal education. Known for organizational skills and client-focused approach in estate planning and administration matters.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I really need?
Every adult should have a will, healthcare proxy, and durable power of attorney. Trusts may be recommended based on asset complexity, family situation, and tax considerations to avoid probate and provide structured asset management.
How much does probate cost in Massachusetts?
Costs vary based on estate complexity but typically range from 5-10% of estate value. This includes court fees, attorney fees, and administrative expenses. Proper planning can often minimize these costs through trust-based estate plans.
Can I update my estate plan after it's created?
Yes, we recommend reviewing your plan every 3 years or after major life events. We offer structured review meetings to update documents, ensuring they reflect current laws, family circumstances, and financial situations with appropriate fee adjustments.
What happens if I die without a will in Massachusetts?
State intestacy laws will determine asset distribution. Typically, assets go to closest relatives, but this may not align with your wishes. Having a valid will ensures your specific preferences for asset distribution and guardian appointments are legally recognized.
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