“If you die without a will… the law has written one for you.”
In this episode of The Unlimited Podcast—the first in our Wealthhard series—Brian speaks with Jessica Feldman Chittley, partner at Bales Beall LLP, about wills and powers of attorney: what they are, why everyone needs them, and how to draft them so they reduce tax and probate, protect minor children, and avoid executor headaches. Jessica explains the real consequences of dying intestate (meaning, without a will), how guardianship and trusts for minors work, and why powers of attorney for property and personal care are urgent. She also walks through the scope of the executor’s role, probate-planning options (e.g., multiple wills, bare-trust structures), and simple but powerful drafting tools that prevent family conflict. Practical, clear and essential listening for anyone who hasn’t reviewed their estate documents in the last few years. And especially for those who haven’t yet organized their wills and/or powers of attorney…What are you waiting for?
Jessica Feldman Chittley is a Partner at Bales Beall LLP who focuses on estate and trust planning and estate administration. She advises individuals, families and private-business owners on tax-minimization at death, drafts wills, trusts and powers of attorney, and guides executors through the administration process. Jessica serves on the Executive Committee of the Ontario Bar Association’s Trusts & Estates Law Section, is a member of Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and the Canadian and Ontario Bar Associations, and was recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada (2025) for Trusts and Estate.
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