Bob Chryso, a recent retiree and long-time client of Antonelli & Antonelli, shares his experience in selecting the right attorney for his estate planning needs. When considering who would handle his will and estate matters, Bob conducted thorough research by asking friends for recommendations and contacting the New York Bar Association for referrals.
Choosing the Right Legal Representation
The New York Bar Association provided Bob with several attorney recommendations, including Antonelli & Antonelli. After contacting multiple firms, Bob found that there was "no contest" – Antonelli & Antonelli stood out immediately. The more time he spent with the firm, the more confident he became in his decision.
What distinguished the firm was their approach to client service. Bob emphasizes the importance of tone and patience in legal consultations. At Antonelli & Antonelli, no question is considered stupid, and they create an atmosphere where clients feel comfortable asking anything. This patient, educational approach is crucial when dealing with probate and estate planning matters.
Building Trust Through Genuine Service
Bob's relationship with Dan Antonelli evolved beyond typical attorney-client boundaries. After careful consideration about whom he could trust with his estate, Bob approached Dan about serving as his executor. When he asked, "Can you do it?" Dan's simple "yes" response provided Bob with tremendous relief, knowing that his affairs would be properly handled.
The experience of working with Antonelli & Antonelli turned what could have been a stressful process into "a good experience." Bob acknowledges that estate planning is something people often put off for years due to natural resistance and emotional barriers.
Authentic Legal Counsel
What truly impressed Bob about Antonelli & Antonelli was their authentic approach to legal service. Unlike other firms that might try to sell unnecessary services or push clients toward particular decisions, the team at Antonelli & Antonelli demonstrated genuine spontaneity and authenticity. They weren't trying to manipulate or maneuver clients in specific directions.
Bob describes this authenticity as taking the relationship "to another level" and identifies it as the primary factor that convinced him to choose the firm. This genuine approach, combined with their legal expertise, made Antonelli & Antonelli the clear choice for his estate planning needs.
Bob's advice to others considering estate planning is straightforward: "Do it. It's the kind of thing that you can think about for 20 years and never do." His positive experience demonstrates why contacting Antonelli & Antonelli can help overcome the natural resistance to estate planning while ensuring professional, trustworthy legal representation.