The Oklahoma Bar Journal November 2024

interests as a matter of course, we have not conducted a compre hensive assessment of their goals, which may inadvertently expose them to unwanted and unneces sary tax consequences, as well as ultimately reduce the impact of their potential gifts. IDENTIFYING AND ASSISTING CLIENTS WITH A HEART FOR PHILANTHROPY It is hard to uncover a client’s interest in charitable planning without explicitly asking if they are amenable. Some advisors feel apprehensive posing questions about charitable giving, fearing it will spark an uncomfortable conversation or believing the onus instead falls on the client to raise the issue. In truth, incorporating charitable giving questions conveys concern for the client’s best interest. As attorneys, we routinely undertake incredibly private con versations, delving into intimate personal and financial subjects to which even our clients’ closest family members and friends may not be privy. Astute attorneys raise these matters with respect and

Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff.

NOVEMBER 2024 | 41

THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL