Acquiring Ownership Rights Through Gift - Explained
When the recipient of a gift becomes owner
Written by Jason Gordon
Updated at April 3rd, 2023
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How do You Acquire Ownership through Gift?
A gift is a transfer of ownership from one party to another without the consideration (mutual exchange of value) necessary to establish an enforceable contract. A gift may, however, transfer ownership of property. A gift normally transfers ownership at the time that the owner expresses intent to transfer the property and physically surrenders the property to someone else who accepts it. The individual receiving the gift must act to accept the gift to make the transfer final.
- Note: The gift made during a persons life is known as an inter vivos gift. A testamentary gift is one that is made through a will or other testamentary document.
- Example: The last will and testament expresses the donative intent necessary for a transfer of property. An executor or personal representative may be charged with delivering the property in accordance with the deceased's intent. Lastly, the recipient of the inheritance must accept the inheritance. If the intended recipient rejects the inheritance, there is no enforceable transfer of property.
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Discussion Question
What is your opinion regarding the transfer for property by gift? Should a gift be enforceable under the law? If so, at what point should the gift or intended gift be enforceable?
Practice Question
Elsa has a beautiful dress made of satin that she rarely wears. She decides to give the dress to Ingrid. Ingrid is extremely excited to receive such a lavish gift. Before Elsa surrenders the dress, however, she changes her mind. She informs Ingrid of her change of heart without any ounce of remorse. Who is the owner of the dress before and after Elsa reneges on the promise?
- A gift is a voluntary transfer of property without consideration or compensation. It is distinguished from a sale, which requires consideration. It is distinguished from a promise to give, which is a declaration of an intention to give in the future rather than a present transfer. For possession and ownership of rights in the property to transfer from one person to another by way of a gift, the requirement is that there must be an intent to give the property to another person in the present time, there is acceptance of the gift, and there is delivery. In the practice question, there is likely no exchange of ownership. The dress belonged to Elsa before and after the promise to gift it to Ingrid. here was no delivery to Ingrid, as she changed her mind before delivering it.
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