“The first time we walked into your office was a very lucky day for us. You made everything so easy for us, and the apprehension I had felt went away. You made it a most pleasant experience. And you still do. Our recent visit was seeing a friend. Thank you, Elle, for all that you do. Your professionalism and knowledge is awesome.”
About Elle Van Dahlgren Law, LLC
Founded on seasoned insight, individualized attention, and a "Client for Life" philosophy. Located in Greenville, DE, we guide families through every stage of estate planning, guardianship, and probate administration.
Elle Van Dahlgren, Esq.
Elle Van Dahlgren advises individuals and families on complete estate planning (powers of attorney, advance health care directives, wills, revocable trusts, supplemental needs trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, and asset protection). She handles probate, asset marshaling, inventorying, trust administration, trust modifications, long-term care planning, and Delaware Medicaid qualification.
Additionally, Elle represents proposed guardians and disabled individuals before the Delaware Court of Chancery and the Pennsylvania Orphans' Court. She is a frequent community and professional educator on estate planning, probate, and Chancery Court guardianship.
Professional Memberships & Pro Bono
- Delaware State Bar Association (Estates and Trusts, Elder Law, Small Firms and Solos Sections)
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (Pro Bono Volunteer)
- Delaware Volunteer Legal Services, Inc. (Pro Bono Volunteer)
- Society of Financial Service Professionals of Delaware (Board of Directors Member)
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (Legal Instructor)
- Lori’s Hands Ambassador’s Council
Becca Summers, Esq.
Becca Summers advises clients on powers of attorney, advance health care directives, wills, revocable trusts, and asset protection. She brings seasoned discipline, organizational precision, and deep empathy to families facing difficult lifetime decisions.
As a dedicated advocate for military veterans following six years of active duty service in the United States Air Force, Becca understands the importance of planning ahead, protecting loved ones, and serving the community with honor.
Areas of Practice & Affiliations
- Estate Planning, Wills, Revocable & Irrevocable Trusts, Powers of Attorney
- Advance Health Care Directives, Special Needs Trusts, Asset Protection
- Adult Guardianship, Probate, Estate & Trust Administration
- Delaware State Bar Association (Estates & Trusts, Elder Law Sections)
- BNI Membership Committee
Liz • Key Legal Support Staff
Integral to our day-to-day client communications, document execution coordination, and filing assistance. Clients consistently praise Liz for her warmth, efficiency, and tireless helpfulness.
How We Work & Fee Structure
The real value of an attorney is to listen to your circumstances and goals and lead you to the best course of action without billing surprises.
Flat Fee Services
We work primarily on a flat fee basis for Estate Planning, "Routine" Guardianships, Probate/Estate Administration, and Trust Administration.
Clients prefer having a clear understanding of costs so they can budget comfortably. At the conclusion of your first meeting, we quote you a transparent flat fee based on your specific situation, complexity, and estimated time.
What is Included in Your Quoted Price:
- Initial comprehensive consultation and planning meetings
- Unlimited questions and discussions regarding your plan
- Speaking with your financial advisors or CPAs upon request
- Meticulous drafting and customized document execution
- Trust funding guidance and retitling assistance
- All deed recording fees, courier charges, and mailing costs
Hourly Matters & Retainers
In certain complex cases—such as contested guardianships, disputed estate claims, or litigation—costs cannot be reasonably anticipated because too many unpredictable variables exist.
In these matters, we provide you with a written Fee Engagement Letter detailing our transparent hourly billing rates and the required upfront retainer amount.
Written Engagement Guarantee:
You receive a formal Fee Engagement Letter spelling out the exact work to be done. You may take it home to review or sign it during your consultation. We do not commence work until we receive your signed agreement.
Prospective Client Guides
Explore our foundational guides detailing why our firm focuses on lifetime management rather than merely posthumous distribution:
Areas We Serve (Delaware & Pennsylvania)
Our office is conveniently located in Greenville (Wilmington), Delaware. We actively represent clients across the following counties and municipalities:
State of Delaware
New Castle County
Wilmington, Greenville, Bear, Claymont, Hockessin, Middletown, New Castle, Newark, Pike Creek, and surrounding communities.
Delaware Court of Chancery (Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown); Register of Wills in New Castle County.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Chester, Delaware & Philadelphia Counties
Aston, Avondale, Birmingham, Boothwyn, Chadds Ford, Chester, Chester Heights, Concordville, Franklin, Glen Mills, Kennett Square, Landenberg, Marcus Hook, Media, New London Township, Pocopson, Strickersville, Swarthmore, Toughkenamon, Trainer, West Chester, and greater Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania Orphans' Court; Register of Wills across Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties.
What Our Clients and Colleagues Say
Unabridged feedback from the people we have had the privilege to serve and work alongside.
“Your help in making sense of all kinds of stuff enabled me to focus on my daughter…. So, just in case I didn’t say it enough, thanks for all you did for us. You’re the best!”
“Elle is professional, knowledgeable, thorough, and most importantly cares deeply about her clients. Every referral I send has nice things to say, and I appreciate how she makes me look better for sending them. Her office is beautiful, handicap accessible, and welcoming. I've used her services for my estate documents and can speak firsthand to the quality of her work. I strongly recommend Elle for Wills, Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, Guardianships, Estate Settlements, Special Needs Trusts, and much more.”
“I own a small business and have one business partner. During an initial conference Elle explained the importance of a Buy-Sell agreement for our company. Elle walked us through each and every step, making sure we understood exactly how the process worked. With her great advice, we were able to complete this task and then file it away in hopes of never having to use it. Thank you, Elle, for making something we were avoiding for years as painless as possible.”
“Elle recently helped me with an aging parent. Not only did she make simple work of a complex matter, but she had the patience of a saint when dealing with my mother (who can sometimes be a handful). I am so glad we got together with Elle now, rather than later. Because of her knowledge and professionalism, I no longer worry about what is going to happen as Mom grows older. If you have a similar situation, I highly recommend that you give Elle a call. She will help you sort things out.”
“I trust Elle with all my family estate planning and highly recommend her to anyone. She is very professional, yet she has a personal warmth that makes you feel comforted and treats you with respect.”
“Elle has been so pleasant to deal with in the early stages of my estate planning/will building. Flexible hours. Excellent knowledge for issues that will arise as you move along in life. Have already discussed her services with other friends and family that are in the same situation as myself.”
“This morning, I had the opportunity to hear a colleague speak. It was eye-opening and thought-provoking. Elle of Elle Van Dahlgren Law, LLC spoke at my breakfast meeting today about really tough subjects. And when I left, I was ready to tackle some of these issues and not be afraid of them. She is knowledgeable, down-to-earth, truly cares about her clients and, in all honesty, she does it all with humor. I have had the opportunity to work alongside her with mutual clients. Her clients love her. She eases their minds, helps make sense of issues that don't seem to make sense at all. She cares about her clients' wishes and she works with them and within their budget.”
“I normally don't like to give reviews, but with Elle Van Dahlgren, I know she would give the same dedication to anyone as she did with me. I already had a will prepared and just wanted to make one small change that I thought I could do over the phone, but she insisted that I come into her office. My one little change was a lot more complicated than I thought, so she made sure that she put safeguards into my will to make sure my estate will only go to the people that I designate. She explained everything and I did not feel rushed at all. Also her staff was equally knowledgeable, especially Liz, and couldn't do enough for me (not to mention how kind and friendly they were).”
Work with an Attorney Who Listens
Schedule your initial meeting at our Greenville, Delaware office or via phone to protect your family and preserve your hard-earned assets.