Estate planning, elder law, and probate attorneys for Gloucester and Cape Ann.
With appointments at our Gloucester office on Washington Street.
Whether you are finally getting your will and trust in place, planning ahead for an aging parent, or settling a loved one's estate, you don't have to drive to Boston for careful, experienced counsel. DaltonMurray serves Cape Ann families from our main office in Topsfield, and appointments can be made at our Gloucester office.
Initial consultation: $250.
Estate Planning for Gloucester and Cape Ann Families
Most firms list Gloucester as one town among dozens they "serve." For us it is different: we keep an office on Washington Street, and we have built much of our estate planning practice around Cape Ann families.
Gloucester is a city of families with deep roots and real property, the working waterfront, homes that have passed through generations, a primary house and often a cottage or second property somewhere on Cape Ann. Those are exactly the kinds of assets that make a thoughtful estate plan matter, and the kind that can create avoidable trouble when there is no plan in place.
Because Cape Ann has long been part of our practice, the practical details are second nature. We help families decide between a will and a trust, keep a beloved home out of probate, plan ahead so a fishing or family business passes cleanly to the next generation, and protect what they have worked for from estate tax. Massachusetts taxes estates over two million dollars, and on Cape Ann a property-rich estate can cross that line more easily than people expect.
We also help families care for aging parents, putting powers of attorney and health care proxies in place before a crisis, and using Medicaid (MassHealth) planning to help protect the family home. And when a loved one passes, the probate of their estate runs through the Essex Probate and Family Court, where we handle the filings and the process for you.
One conversation gives you a clear picture of where you stand: no pressure, no obligation. Initial consultation: $250.
224 Washington Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
Topsfield is our main office. Appointments at our Gloucester office can be made, daytime or evening, and we also meet by video. Initial consultation: $250.
Essex Probate & Family Court
36 Federal Street, Salem, MA 01970
(978) 744-1020
Hears probate, estate administration, and guardianship matters for Gloucester and Cape Ann residents. About 40 minutes from the city. Many routine matters are handled virtually, and we manage all filings for you.
Helpful Resources for Gloucester Families
Start with answers, not appointments. These guides and tools were written by our attorneys for exactly the questions Cape Ann clients ask first.
Common Questions from Gloucester Clients
Where is a Gloucester resident's probate or estate matter handled?
Gloucester is in Essex County, so probate, estate administration, and guardianship matters are heard by the Essex Probate and Family Court. Cape Ann filings go to the Salem session at 36 Federal Street, Salem. You don't need to work any of this out yourself: we prepare and file everything on your behalf.
Where do you meet Gloucester clients?
Topsfield is our main office, at 458 Boston Street (Route 1), 2nd Floor, Suite 6. Appointments at other offices can be made, and we also meet by video and offer evening appointments. Initial consultation: $250.
Do I have to go to court to get an estate plan?
No. Your will, trust, and powers of attorney are prepared in our office, with no court involvement. Probate, which happens after someone passes away, does go through the court, and we handle that process for you from start to finish.
Rather We Call You? Just Leave Your Number.
Tell us a little about your situation and we'll reach out within one business day. No obligation, no pressure. Just a conversation with someone who can help.
- Completely confidential
- Response within one business day
- Initial Consultation
- Serving Gloucester, Massachusetts