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Welcome to the SoCalCGP Newsletter. The newsletter provides links to this page. Please see below for the items that appeared in the February 2026 issue. Walking the Probate Tightrope: Recovering Lost Revenue from the Donor’s Estate This article was provided by CCK Bequest Management, a SoCalCGP Sponsor. The charity’s role in a probate proceeding is typically that of the grateful recipient of a testamentary gift. Less frequently, the tables are turned, and the estate owes the charity money because the donor failed to fulfill a pledge. In that case, the organization must file a claim with the executor to receive its entitlement. This significant revenue is not a bequest, of course, but it is still a charity sharing in the assets of the estate. This article discusses, in Q&A format, the opportunities and risks involved when a charity makes the difficult decision to make a claim against an estate. It just seems wrong for a charity to file a lawsuit against a deceased donor. Isn’t there another way? Unfortunately, there is not. It is important, though, to understand what a “claim” is. It is not a lawsuit, but rather a notification to the executor of an obligation that survived the decedent. If the claim is rejected, the charity has the option to file a formal legal action, but the claim itself is much more informal. Click here to read more. John Lansing is an attorney at Hahn & Hahn LLP, where he focuses on Trusts & Estates, Elder Law, and Special Needs Planning. For the past ten years, he has also taught in the CSPG program, sharing his knowledge and learning alongside the next generation of planned giving professionals. John was born in Philadelphia and grew up mostly in Northeast Los Angeles, apart from a year and a half living in a rural village in Indonesia.
Today, he enjoys the unique position of working on both sides of charitable gift planning: partnering with donors to thoughtfully structure their gifts and collaborating with charities as those gifts come to fruition. He takes pride in paying close attention to the details that matter most to clients, ensuring their values are honored in meaningful and lasting ways. Seeing a charitable plan carried through administration to a successful outcome is, for him, one of the most rewarding parts of the work. As an active member of SoCalCGP, John appreciates the collegial, generous spirit of the community. He values being surrounded by smart, good-hearted professionals who are committed to causes that truly make a difference—and finds the positivity and shared purpose energizing. Looking to earn continuing education credits while connecting with professionals and thought leaders focused on impact and community? Join us May 20–22, 2026, in Southern California for the Western Regional Planned Giving Conference — Beyond Momentum: Innovation, Legacy, and Impact. Three inspiring days of learning, networking, and professional growth featuring renowned speakers, practical sessions, and multiple learning tracks. Examples of conference sessions:
Participants earn valuable continuing education credits (CSPG, CAP, CFP, CFRE, MCLE, IPA, and more) and leave with actionable tools, valuable insights, and strengthened connections across the charitable giving field. The conference will also honor Jim Normandin for his foundational role in creating the Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG) program, offering CSPG designees a unique opportunity to celebrate an icon in our profession. Stay tuned for details about a commemorative group photo. |