Michael S. Kutzin, Elder Law Attorney in White Plains, New York
Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Elder Law, Estate Litigation, and Tax · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatMcCarthy Fingar LLP
White Plains, NY
Practicing elder law in White Plains since 1988.
- 38+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Michael S. Kutzin?
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Quick answer
Michael S. Kutzin is a member based in White Plains, NY. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Litigation, and Tax. Michael has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McCarthy Fingar LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- White Plains, NY
- Experience
- over 38 years
- Known for
- Elder Law · Estate Litigation · Tax
- Handles Elder Law, Estate Litigation, and Tax matters from White Plains, NY.
- Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael S. Kutzin: Michael S. Kutzin is a member based in White Plains, NY. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Litigation, and Tax. Michael has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McCarthy Fingar LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in White Plains
Michael concentrates on elder law, estate litigation, tax, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Elder Law
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Estate Litigation
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Tax
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Trusts
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Elder Law cases in White Plains, New York
Michael takes elder law 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Estate Litigation cases in White Plains, New York
Michael takes estate litigation 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in White Plains, New York
Michael takes tax 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in White Plains, New York
Michael takes trusts 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 Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Michael S. Kutzin, elder law attorney serving White Plains
Michael S. Kutzin is a member based in White Plains, NY. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Litigation, and Tax. Michael has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McCarthy Fingar LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Michael works from White Plains, New York and takes on elder law matters across the region.
Michael S. Kutzin concentrates in New York Guardianship and Trusts and Estates. Michael is a partner in multiple practice groups, including Trusts & Estates, Guardianship Practice, Surrogate’s Court Litigation, Appellate Practice, Corporate & General Business and Taxation.
Michael joins McCarthy Fingar from Goldfarb Abrandt Salzman & Kutzin LLP, where he had been a partner for 18 years. He started his career in the Tax Department of Thacher Proffitt & Wood and tax boutique firm of Roberts & Holland LLP before segueing into Trusts & Estates and Elder Law. He has also served as an adjunct assistant professor at New York University, where he taught Law of Nonprofit Management for 15 years.
Michael has extensive experience with all forms of Surrogate’s Court and Guardianship proceedings, from the most routine to the most complex and contentious. He has appeared in Westchester matters for years, as well as Surrogate’s Court and Guardianship cases in New York City.
Michael is a skilled and thoughtful Trusts & Estates lawyer who works with clients to meet their planning needs. He works with people with substantial assets and complex tax considerations, as well as people of more modest means and with family members with disabilities.
He is a “lawyer’s lawyer” – a professional looked to by other lawyers for advice and guidance.
In 2003, Michael was invited to testify about abuses in Adult Guardianships before the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging.
Michael is also an accomplished writer. In 2005, he won the 2005 New York Law Journal fiction writing contest for his short story, “The Grannysnatchers.”
Michael is a co-author of the prestigious New York Elder Law treatise, published by LexisNexis. It is a leading resource for trusts and estates, elder law and special needs attorneys practicing in New York.
Michael has received a peer review rating of AV Preeminent on Martindale-Hubbell. Michael has also been recognized as a New York Super Lawyer in the areas of Estate Planning & Probate each year since 2015.
Working with Michael on a elder law matter
Michael S. Kutzin concentrates in New York Guardianship and Trusts and Estates. Michael is a partner in multiple practice groups, including Trusts & Estates, Guardianship Practice, Surrogate’s Court Litigation, Appellate Practice, Corporate & General Business and Taxation. Michael joins McCarthy Fingar from Goldfarb Abrandt Salzman & Kutzin LLP, where he had been a partner for 18 years. He…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, estate litigation, and tax matters in White Plains and the surrounding New York area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
New York University School of Law
J.D. · 1987
University of Pennsylvania
B.S. · 1984
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
New York
1988 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in New York University School of Law and B.S. in University of Pennsylvania.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in New York University School of Law and B.S. in University of Pennsylvania. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Michael's legal honors and published work
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Association of the Bar of the City of New York
Member, Committee on Legal Problems of the Aging) New York State Bar Association (Member, Sections on: Trusts and Estates Estate Litigation Committee Elder Law · membership
Locations
Michael S. Kutzin's office in White Plains
Michael's primary office is at 711 Westchester Avenue, Suite 405, White Plains, NY, 10606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
McCarthy Fingar LLP
711 Westchester Avenue, Suite 405
White Plains, NY 10606
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael S. Kutzin — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing elder law 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 Michael S. Kutzin claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael S. Kutzin — 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 Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a elder law attorney in White Plains, New York
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 Michael
Michael 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael'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 Michael S. Kutzin
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in New York 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside White Plains?
Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new elder law clients right now?
Michael'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 White Plains and Albany in New York
Michael handles elder law matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.
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