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IN PERSON OR BY ZOOM EXPERIENCED MEDIATION
Conversely , leaving a multi-million-dollar bequest to a local organization that plants flowers in baskets on the two-block-long main street can cause issues as well . North Dakota history is rife with small organizations that received large gifts , expanded their mission , or built a new building only to fail , or go out of business shortly thereafter , due to the inability to sustain what the super bequest allowed them to build .
So , how do you , as a practicing attorney , avoid these and the other pitfalls associated with charitable bequests ? The answer is threefold :
STEVEN A . STORSLEE

IN PERSON OR BY ZOOM EXPERIENCED MEDIATION

� 40 years as a civil litigator
� 25 years as a mediator
� Substantial experience in all types of civil cases
1 . Do your research on the IRS website to be sure the charitable beneficiary is legitimate and in good standing with the IRS . Also , be sure of the tax ID # and the official name of the correct organization .
2 . Discuss with your client about the expected size of the gift and the capacity of the organization to actually carry out the client ’ s stated desire to do good with their precious resources .
3 . While many people who make these provisions in their wills are unassuming and maybe even shy of recognition , you should encourage them to discuss their plans with the intended beneficiary organization . Many of these issues can be mitigated if there is communication with the beneficiary as the nonprofit gift officer can guide the client and you in how to best draft the will to meet the client ’ s expectations . If your client is reluctant to let the beneficiary organization know of the gift , you as their representative can ask the appropriate questions , and act as gobetween to protect your client ’ s privacy .

Storslee

Law Firm , P . C .
Phone : ( 701 ) 226-3550 steve @ storsleemediation . com P . O . Box 996 , Bismarck , ND 58502-0996 www . storsleemediation . com

Your Charitable-Giving Advisor in North Dakota . . .

By working with your client and the charitable entity they wish to assist , you will serve your client ’ s needs , the needs of the nonprofit beneficiary , and , of course , the community at large . Pick up the phone , write an email , or have a cup of coffee with the staff at the nonprofit beneficiary . Many , more sophisticated nonprofits can even provide bequest language that you can incorporate into the will which will save you having to draft the entire provision .
� Experienced in a wide variety of charitablegiving vehicles
� Able to structure a fund to meet your client ’ s charitable and financial goals
� Call us for a free , confidential conversation about your client ’ s options
Offices in Bismarck , Dickinson , Larimore , and Wahpeton
www . NDCF . net 702.222.8349
Help your client leave their legacy in ND !
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