Skip to content
Close
Call Now (877) 508-4265
Contact Us
Call Now (877) 508-4265
Contact Us

Family Law

Oil, Gas & Energy

Estate Planning

Business Law

Probate

Litigation

Oklahoma

Texas

Colorado

Research Papers

Content Library

BML_EstatePlanning_White

Thoughtful Charitable Planning in Oklahoma 

Charitable planning lawyers in Oklahoma helping families build meaningful, tax-smart legacies.

Start Giving Today
Explore Charitable Planning Resources

Charitable Planning in Oklahoma

Adding charitable planning to your estate plan is a powerful way to build a legacy that strengthens your community. Our charitable planning attorneys in Oklahoma help you give with purpose, creating lasting impact while protecting your loved ones and your financial goals. 

Charitable planning allows you to align your generosity with your overall estate and tax strategy. Whether you want to support a local cause, establish a trust for ongoing charitable gifts, or include specific bequests in your will, we’ll guide you through the options that fit your goals and values. Many clients find that thoughtful charitable planning not only furthers the causes they care about but also provides valuable estate tax and income tax benefits, making it a practical and meaningful part of a complete estate plan. 

At Ball Morse Lowe, we make the process clear, collaborative, and personal. Our estate planning lawyers in Oklahoma work closely with your financial and tax advisors to design a plan that honors your wishes and amplifies your impact. Together, we’ll help you create a legacy that benefits both your family and your community for generations to come. 

Your Oklahoma Charitable Planning Questions Answered

What are the charitable planning options?

There are several ways to include charitable giving in your estate plan, depending on your goals and financial situation. 

  • Specific Bequests: You can include a gift of property or assets to a charity of your choice directly in your will or trust. These charitable distributions can reduce the size of your taxable estate, and in some cases, formulas can be used in your trust to eliminate estate tax entirely through charitable giving. 
  • Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT): A CRT allows you to donate money or property to charity while continuing to receive income from it for life or a set number of years. When the term ends, the remaining principal passes to the designated charity. This structure can help reduce estate taxes and provide an immediate income tax deduction. 
  • Charitable Lead Trust (CLT): A CLT provides annual payments to a charity for a set term. When that term ends, the remaining assets are distributed to you or your beneficiaries. These trusts can be established during your lifetime or through your estate and may significantly reduce estate or income tax liabilities. 
  • Donor-Advised Fund: This option allows you to create an account within a public charity, where you can recommend investment decisions and charitable distributions. Donor-advised funds can also serve as recipients of assets from a CRT or CLT, giving you flexibility and control in your giving. 
What are the benefits of charitable planning?

Charitable planning lets you make a meaningful difference while protecting your financial and family interests. It can: 

  • Reduce estate and income taxes, 
  • Allow you to support causes important to you 
  • Provide a reliable income stream during your lifetime (through certain trusts) 
  • Strengthen your legacy by giving back to your community. 

With guidance from our charitable planning attorneys in Oklahoma, you can create a plan that aligns with your values and financial goals. 
Do I need an attorney to do charitable planning in Oklahoma?

While it’s not required, having an attorney is encouraged. Charitable planning often involves complex tax and legal considerations. Working with an experienced estate planning attorney in Oklahoma ensures your gifts are structured properly, your tax benefits are maximized, and your wishes are carried out exactly as intended. 

At Ball Morse Lowe, our attorneys collaborate with your financial and tax advisors to design charitable strategies that make sense for you. 
How does charitable planning reduce taxes? Charitable planning can significantly reduce your estate and income tax liabilities by allowing you to donate assets in ways that qualify for charitable deductions. When you include charitable giving in your estate plan you may be able to lower the value of your taxable estate while supporting the organizations that matter most to you. Some strategies also provide income tax deductions during your lifetime.
Do I have to be wealthy to do charitable planning? Not at all. Charitable planning isn’t just for large estates, it’s for anyone who wants to make a difference. Whether your goal is to leave a modest gift or establish a lasting charitable trust, our charitable planning attorneys in Oklahoma can help you find the right approach to match your values, resources, and goals.
Can I include both my family and charities in my estate plan? Yes. Many clients choose to balance family and charitable giving in their estate plans. Through tools like charitable remainder or lead trusts, you can provide income for your loved ones while still supporting the causes you care about. Our estate planning lawyers help you design a plan that reflects your priorities and creates harmony between family and philanthropy.
Will I receive income or tax benefits during my lifetime? Depending on the structure you choose, yes. For example, a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) allows you or your beneficiaries to receive income for life or a set number of years while providing an immediate income tax deduction. When the trust ends, the remaining assets go to your chosen charity. 
How do I know which charitable planning option is right for me? Every person’s goals and financial situation are unique. During your consultation, our Oklahoma estate planning attorneys will explain each charitable planning option in plain terms, outline the tax implications, and coordinate with your financial and tax advisors. Together, we’ll design a strategy that supports your legacy, protects your family, and maximizes the impact of your giving.
How much does charitable planning cost in Oklahoma?

The cost of charitable planning in Oklahoma can vary depending on your goals, the types of gifts or trusts you establish, and the overall complexity of your plan. At Ball Morse Lowe, we offer flat fee pricing across our estate planning services so you will always know what to expect before we begin.  

Our transparent flat-fee approach allows you to focus on what truly matters, creating a meaningful legacy and supporting the causes you care about without worrying about unpredictable legal costs. 
couple sitting with attorney signing estate planning documents

Looking to Turn Generosity into a Lasting Legacy?

With guidance from our Oklahoma estate planning attorneys, you can create a charitable plan that supports the causes you love while protecting your family and future.
Talk with Our Team

Explore Charitable Planning Resources

Your values can live on through intentional giving. Our content library walks you through charitable trusts, planned gifts, and other strategies that align your generosity with your long-term goals.

 

Explore Estate Planning Resources