How much does it cost to hire Scott for a estate planning case?

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

Does Scott offer a free consultation?

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

How long do estate planning cases in New York typically take?

Simple estate planning 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. Scott gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Scott take my case if I'm outside White Plains?

Scott is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Scott 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 Scott?

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. Scott will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Scott accepting new estate planning clients right now?

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

Scott M. Sherman, Estate Planning Attorney

Quick answer

Scott M. Sherman is an of counsel based in White Plains, NY. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Formation, and Insurance. Scott has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Walsh & Amicucci LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: White Plains, NY
Experience: over 48 years
Known for: Estate Planning · Formation · Insurance

Handles Estate Planning, Formation, and Insurance matters from White Plains, NY.
Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Scott takes on

Scott concentrates on estate planning, formation, insurance, probate, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Scott handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Estate Planning cases in White Plains, New York

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

Formation cases in White Plains, New York

Scott takes formation matters in White Plains, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Scott agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in White Plains, New York

Scott takes insurance matters in White Plains, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Scott agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in White Plains, New York

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

Real Estate cases in White Plains, New York

Scott takes real estate matters in White Plains, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Scott agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Scott M. Sherman — estate planning lawyer in White Plains

Scott M. Sherman is an of counsel based in White Plains, NY. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Formation, and Insurance. Scott has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Walsh & Amicucci LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Scott brings new ideas to estate planning, often for clients who already have an estate plan in place. Many of his clients are elderly or dying (or the children of elderly parents) so the focus is on generation-skipping tax planning; achieving a basis stepup at death; avoiding probate where appropriate; and using discounts to minimize estate tax.

Scott also has considerable experience planning for pension/IRA death benefits. For example, using those benefits to fund trusts while still achieving a slow, tax-deferred payout of the benefits, or as another example, using the benefits to satisfy charitable bequests without interfering with the payout of the rest of the benefits.

Scott has worked on numerous estate plans and estates involving non-citizen spouses, including severing joint assets under the special gift tax rules that apply.

For families with substantial real estate holdings, Scott has been a pioneer in using a single trust to hold life insurance and to serve as an “intentionally defective grantor trust” purchasing assets at a discounted value. For more typical suburban families, Scott often can complete the estate plan in two meetings: one meeting to review the family situation and the ownership of the assets, explain the appropriate plan, and a second meeting (after drafts have been sent to the clients for review) to execute the documents.

Scott's approach to estate planning cases

Scott brings new ideas to estate planning, often for clients who already have an estate plan in place. Many of his clients are elderly or dying (or the children of elderly parents) so the focus is on generation-skipping tax planning; achieving a basis stepup at death; avoiding probate where appropriate; and using discounts to minimize estate tax. Scott also has considerable experience planning…

Clients Scott works with

Scott reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, formation, and insurance matters in White Plains and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

American University Law School
J.D. · 1977
Yale University
B.A. Political · 1972

Jurisdictions

Scott's state bar admissions

U.S. Tax Court
1981 · ACTIVE
New York
1978 · ACTIVE

Scott studied at J.D. in American University Law School and B.A. Political in Yale University.

Law school and academic background

Scott completed J.D. in American University Law School and B.A. Political in Yale University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Scott runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Scott has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Scott M. Sherman's office in White Plains

Scott's primary office is at 1133 Westchester Avenue, Suite S321, White Plains, NY, 10604. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Walsh & Amicucci LLP

1133 Westchester Avenue, Suite S321

White Plains, NY 10604

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Scott M. Sherman — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Scott. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in White Plains.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Scott M. Sherman claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Scott M. Sherman — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Scott charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Scott'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; Scott will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in White Plains, New York

A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning 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 Scott

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every estate planning 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. Scott confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Scott M. Sherman

How much does it cost to hire Scott for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Scott walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Scott offer a free consultation?
Scott charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Scott's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Scott's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in New York typically take?
Simple estate planning 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. Scott gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Scott take my case if I'm outside White Plains?
Scott is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Scott 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 Scott?
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. Scott will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Scott accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Scott's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by New York residents in the last few months, answered by estate planning attorneys like Scott M. Sherman. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Are Joint Wills Valid In New York State?
My partner and I are discussing our estate planning in New York City, NY. We want to create a joint will since we own property together and have kids from previous marriages. I’ve
1 verified answer · Estate Planning · New York
Can I Disinherit My Child In A Florida Will?
I’m a mother of three in Orlando, FL and I’m considering disinheriting my oldest child due to ongoing issues. Can I legally do that in my will? What are the potential consequences
1 verified answer · Estate Planning · Florida
What Happens To My Student Loans If I Pass Away In Illinois?
I live in Chicago, IL and recently graduated with student loans. I’m 27, healthy, but I worry about what happens to my debts if I die unexpectedly. Will my family be responsible fo
1 verified answer · Estate Planning · Illinois
What Happens If I Don’t Name An Executor In My Will In Michigan?
I’m in Detroit, MI and I’ve been working on my will but I’m unsure if I need to name an executor. What happens if I don’t? Will the court automatically assign someone, or will my e
1 verified answer · Estate Planning · Michigan
Do I Need An Estate Lawyer If I Have A Trust In Washington?
I set up a revocable trust in Seattle, WA, and I thought that would suffice for my estate planning. However, I’m worried I might still need legal advice. Do I need to hire an estat
1 verified answer · Estate Planning · Washington
How Can A Power Of Attorney Affect My Estate Plan In Arizona?
I recently moved to Phoenix, AZ, and I’m working on my estate planning. I’ve heard that having a power of attorney can be helpful but I'm unsure how it fits into my overall estate
1 verified answer · Estate Planning · Arizona

Areas served

Estate Planning attorneys serving White Plains and Albany in New York

Scott handles estate planning matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.

Scott M. Sherman, Estate Planning Attorney in White Plains, New York

Quick answer

Legal matters Scott takes on

Estate Planning cases in White Plains, New York

Formation cases in White Plains, New York