Sumner & Associates, P.C.

Michigan's Premier Family Law & Estate Planning Attorneys

Sumner & Associates, P.C. has expert attorneys with experience at helping clients and providing excellent service since 1962. We have helped thousands of satisfied clients and collected millions of dollars for our clients. Our experience in Michigan allows us to provide quick and efficient legal services to our clients in both Oakland and Macomb Counties.

Working With Sumner & Associates, P.C.

Our Team

Overview & Experience

Scott J. Sumner, J.D. - Attorney & Counselor at Law

Scott J. Sumner, J.D. was born in Macomb County, Michigan and attended Utica Community Schools before graduating from Michigan State University (1986) and Michigan State College of Law (1989), previously Detroit College of Law (DCL).

Scott has been practicing for over thirty (30) years and is a second-generation attorney and the founding principal of Sumner & Associates, P.C. He has expanded the law practice his father established in 1962 to include four offices in Southeast Michigan i.e., Rochester Hills, Clarkston, Novi, and Clinton Township. At Sumner & Associates, Scott is passionate about providing exceptional, client-focused legal service. His business background has given him the ability to provide practical solutions to legal problems and manage cases in a cost-efficient manner. His sincerity and willingness to handle a variety of legal work make him a sought after and well respected attorney in Oakland and Macomb counties. Scott has also represented clients in Lapeer, Genesee and St. Clair. Since 2015, Attorney Sumner has been selected as a Top Rated Lawyer by AVVO, a distinction reserved for leading lawyers in Michigan. He has also earned an AV® Preeminent rating from his peers for his very high legal ability and very high ethical standards. Such a rating is a significant rating accomplishment – a testament to the fact that a lawyer’s peers rank him at the highest level of professional excellence.

A renowned attorney, Scott’s firm specializes in Divorce, Estate Planning, Criminal Law, and Personal Injury. His areas of expertise in Family Law include Custody, Parenting Time, Alimony, Child Support, Property Division, Division of Retirement and Pension Benefits, Paternity Suits, Prenuptial Agreements, Domestic Violence, and Post Judgment proceedings. Known for handling complex property issues and high asset estates including Business/Asset Valuation, Attorney Sumner has the ability to understand and manage multifaceted cases while delivering exceptional representation for his clients. Scott is also certified in Family Law and Divorce (2014) by the Institute for Continuing Education (ICLE) and recertified in 2018.

Additionally, Sumner & Associates, P.C. is one of the most prominent Estate Planning law firms in Michigan. Estate planning is the process of anticipating and arranging, during a person’s life, for the management and disposal of that person’s estate during their life and after death, while minimizing gift, estate, and income tax. With over thirty (30) years in the community building client relationships, Attorney Sumner has helped thousands of families with Estate Planning products such as Last Will & Testament, Durable Power of Attorney, Patient Advocate Designation, Living Will, HIPPA Release, Living Trust, even Lady Bird Deeds. Scott’s practice extends to Probate Law matters, including Decedent’s Estates, Letters of Authority, Guardianship and Conservatorships. Furthermore, Scott is Certified by the Institute for Continuing Education (ICLE) for Probate & Estate Planning.

Moreover, Attorney Sumner maintains other professional license that helps him deliver quality results for his clients, i.e., Real Estate Broker, Residential Builder and Life & Health Insurance agent. He also maintains state and federal securities license, which allows him a deeper understanding of complicated financial matters. Scott is the “go to” attorney in Divorce and Estate Planning for clients who may own a business or have a high net worth.

Recently included in the 2020 Martindale Hubbell recognition for attorneys by providing excellence in service for thirty (30) years, the philosophy for Mr. Sumner’s practice is that every client deserves personal attention and the best representation possible. He prides himself on full and complete explanation to clients regarding their rights and the legal process. When not delivering outstanding results to his clients, Attorney Sumner enjoys spending time with his family. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Scott appreciates time on his tractor and the opportunity to learn organic farming. A genuine sports fan, he supports all Detroit teams and has a special fondness for Spartans!

Ron R. Sumner, LL.M - of Counsel

Ron R. Sumner is a graduate of the University of Michigan A. B. (1958) and Wayne State University Law School J.D.(1961) and Wayne State University Law School – Master of Taxation LL.M (1982). He is a member of the State Bar Association of Michigan and a member of the Oakland and Macomb Bar Associations. He is also licensed to practice law in Arizona, United States Federal Court, United States Tax Court and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Sumner is also a licensed Real Estate Broker.

Sean Parent

Sean Parent has worked under some of Michigan’s most experienced business litigators and estate planning attorneys, where he built a reputation for being a firm but fair advocate who puts his clients first in all matters. Sean is dedicated to providing the legal services Michigan residents need to plan for their future and protect against uncertainty, with a focus on client education and empowerment.

Sean graduated from Baker College of Auburn Hills Cum Laude in 2018 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. Sean went on to attend WMU Cooley Law School on a full academic scholarship. During his legal education, he served as a teacher’s assistant, Dean’s Fellow, student mentor, and Executive Managing Editor of the Cooley Law Review. Sean Graduated WMU Cooley Magna Cum Laude with a Juris Doctor.

Sarah Aldred

Sarah Aldred joined Sumner & Associates in 2001 as a Paralegal. She uses her extensive multitasking skills and client service experience to help families in transition. She provides detailed support to the attorneys in our office and our clients in the areas of divorce, custody, parenting time, estate planning, Wills, Trusts and Probate.

Sarah graduated from Professional Career Development Institute with a diploma in Paralegal Studies. She has over 22 years of experience as a Paralegal, with over 18 years serving our Rochester Hills, Clarkston, Novi and Clinton Township area communities. Sarah is also a Notary Public for the State of Michigan and Oakland County. From complex cases to simple uncontested divorces, Sarah is involved from start to finish. Sarah assists clients by providing regular contact and updates, managing the discovery process, maintaining the case calendar and deadlines, and drafting pleadings and letters. She also maintains the client file and is integral in preparing for mediations, hearings, and trials.

Our divorce and probate clients are often faced with demanding and emotional situations. Sarah presents a calm, compassionate and supportive manner as she handles the immediate needs of our clients, while patiently explaining procedures. While our clients experience open and frequent communication with their attorney, Sarah is an additional liaison between the clients and our firm. Sarah resides in Waterford, Michigan, and when she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading a good book. Sarah can often be found volunteering her time with her son’s football team, by running concessions, assisting at a golf outing or helping with fundraising. Sarah has a long standing family tradition of camping and she and her family travel all over the State of Michigan visiting our beautiful lakes and landmarks.

Rori Burton

Rori Burton is the newest member of our support staff, joining Sumner & Associates, P.C. in 2022. She provides support and direction to clients navigating the complex legal system.

Rori believes in making things as simple as possible for each client, so that each matter can run smoothly from start to finish.

Rori has worked in the legal field for 5 years after graduating Summa Cum Lade from Delta College in 2017 with highest honors. During her education, she obtained an Associates Degree in Business Studies Majoring as a Legal Support Professional, an advanced certification in Law Office Foundations, and an advanced certificate as a Law Office Specialist. Additionally, Rori is a Notary with the State of Michigan.

Rori is originally from Saginaw, Michigan before relocating to Rochester Hills. When she is not at work, she enjoys reading, tending to her many house plants, and visiting with her friends and family. She also has plans to continue to fill her passport traveling as much as she possibly can.

the key to success

Our Advantage

COMMITMENT TO OUR CLIENTS

First and foremost, we are committed to serving our clients in the manner they prescribe. We are responsive, accessible and offer a true partnership. We keep our clients properly and thoroughly informed of work in progress.

EXPERIENCE

Sumner & Associates, P.C. has expert attorneys with experience at helping clients and providing excellent service since 1961. We have helped thousands of satisfied clients and collected millions of dollars for our clients. Our experience allows us to provide quick and efficient legal services or representation over the duration of a lengthy litigation case.

EASY AND CONVENIENT

Sumner & Associates, P.C. assists with taking care of your legal concerns with efficient and effective office conferences, telephone conferences, email communications, fax and document forwarding. Our email, facsimile and telephone message services are available 24 hours a day. We have multiple offices in Oakland and Macomb Counties, so we can conveniently provide legal assistance no matter where you reside in Michigan.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Sumner & Associates, P.C. provides exceptional customer service. We are hired by eight out of every ten clients we meet with, and we are rehired or referred by our previous clients over fifty percent of the time. Our firm is staffed with case specific Paralegals who are highly qualified and efficient in the effort to provide exceptional services at reduced costs.

FULL AND COMPLETE EXPLANATIONS

Sumner & Associates, P.C. provides full and complete explanations to our clients. From your initial office conference through the date of completing your matter, we will fully advise you of the situation that you face, the legal options available to you, standards of practice, the process and discuss specific details, timelines and costs.

PERSONAL SERVICE

Sumner & Associates, P.C. and its staff provide complete and professional personal service. We know all of our clients by name, not number. Your attorney is the attorney that will represent you, talk with you about your case, and appear with you in Court.

PRIVATE AND SECURE

The information you provide to us is absolutely confidential. All communications with our clients are protected by attorney/client privilege. In addition, we have gone that extra mile to ensure that all of our information technology connections incorporate the latest encryption and security devices. We maintain a strict practice of shredding all sensitive client documents, as part of normal case file management.

COMMITMENT TO ETHICAL STANDARDS

Ethical matters are paramount to Sumner & Associates, P.C.. Our staff adheres to the highest in all ethical standards. Client compliance and disclosure is observed
in all matters of law, and we comply with the Model Rules of Professional Conduct in every facet of our practice. We also maintain our Client Trust (IOLTA) account with Comerica Bank and in accordance with Federal and State laws.