Patricia M. Shumaker

Patricia M. Shumaker, Elder Law Attorney in Norwell, Massachusetts

Over 26 years of legal practice · focused on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate

Practicing elder law in Norwell since 2000.

26+
Years practicing
3
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Patricia M. Shumaker is an attorney based in Norwell, MA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. Patricia has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burns & Levinson LLP.

Based in
Norwell, MA
Experience
over 26 years
Known for
Elder Law · Estate Planning · Probate
  • Handles Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate matters from Norwell, MA.
  • Over 26 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Patricia M. Shumaker: Patricia M. Shumaker is an attorney based in Norwell, MA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. Patricia has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burns & Levinson LLP.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Patricia M. Shumaker

Patricia concentrates on elder law, estate planning, probate, tax, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Patricia handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Elder Law cases in Norwell, Massachusetts

Patricia takes elder law matters in Norwell, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patricia agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Norwell, Massachusetts

Patricia takes estate planning matters in Norwell, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patricia agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Norwell, Massachusetts

Patricia takes probate matters in Norwell, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patricia agrees to represent you.

Tax cases in Norwell, Massachusetts

Patricia takes tax matters in Norwell, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patricia agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in Norwell, Massachusetts

Patricia takes trusts matters in Norwell, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patricia agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Patricia M. Shumaker — Over 26 years of Massachusetts elder law experience

Patricia M. Shumaker is an attorney based in Norwell, MA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. Patricia has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burns & Levinson LLP.

Patricia M. Shumaker practices primarily in the areas of complex estate planning, trust and estate administration, elder law, and long-term care planning. Ms. Shumaker provides comprehensive planning for the costs of long-term care including the application and appeal for Medicaid benefits. Ms. Shumaker is a cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law where she was the articles editor for the ABA Real Property, Trust & Estate Journal and was named to the Order of the Coif. She is an undergraduate of the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Areas of Practice · Estate Planning · Trust and Estate Administration · Elder Law and Long-term Care Planning Bar Admissions · Massachusetts · North Carolina · South Carolina Education · University of South Carolina School of Law, Columbia, SC, J.D. cum laude · Law Journal: ABA Real Property, Trust & Estate Journal, Articles Editor · Moot Court Bar, Competition Team Member · President of Women in Law Organization · University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts Honors and Awards · CALI Award in Professional Responsibility , 1999 – 2000 · Karen Lee Scholarship Award, 1998 – 1999 · Order of the Coif Professional Associations and Memberships · Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA), Member · Nat. Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and (MANAELA), Member · Boston Estate Planning Council (BEPC), Member · Trusts and Estates Consortium

Patricia's approach to elder law cases

Patricia M. Shumaker practices primarily in the areas of complex estate planning, trust and estate administration, elder law, and long-term care planning. Ms. Shumaker provides comprehensive planning for the costs of long-term care including the application and appeal for Medicaid benefits. Ms. Shumaker is a cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law where she was the…

The kind of cases Patricia takes

Patricia reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, estate planning, and probate matters in Norwell and the surrounding Massachusetts area.

Credentials

Patricia M. Shumaker's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of South Carolina School of Law

    J.D. · 2000

  • University of Massachusetts

    B.A. · 1992

Jurisdictions

Patricia's state bar admissions

  • Massachusetts

    2009 · ACTIVE

  • South Carolina (Inac

    2001 · ACTIVE

  • North Carolina (Inac

    2000 · ACTIVE

Patricia studied at J.D. in University of South Carolina School of Law and B.A. in University of Massachusetts.

Law school and academic background

Patricia completed J.D. in University of South Carolina School of Law and B.A. in University of Massachusetts. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Patricia runs in Massachusetts is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Patricia M. Shumaker's office in Norwell

Patricia's primary office is at 5 Assinippi AveFront Door, Norwell, MA, 2061. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Burns & Levinson LLP

5 Assinippi AveFront Door

Norwell, MA 2061

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Patricia M. Shumaker

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Hiring guide

How to hire Patricia M. Shumaker — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new elder law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Patricia usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Patricia charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Patricia's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Patricia will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Norwell, Massachusetts

A short list to run through before you commit: How many elder law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Patricia

Patricia discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in elder law practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every elder law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Patricia confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Patricia's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many elder law practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Patricia M. Shumaker

  • How much does it cost to hire Patricia for a elder law case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Patricia walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Patricia offer a free consultation?

    Patricia charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Patricia's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Patricia's current terms during booking.

  • How long do elder law cases in Massachusetts typically take?

    Simple elder law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Patricia gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Patricia take my case if I'm outside Norwell?

    Patricia is licensed in Massachusetts. Matters governed by Massachusetts law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Patricia will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Patricia?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Patricia will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Patricia accepting new elder law clients right now?

    Patricia's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Elder Law attorneys serving Norwell, Boston and Cambridge in Massachusetts

Patricia handles elder law matters throughout Massachusetts. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Patricia's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these elder law attorneys in Norwell handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.