Donative intent is the clear intention of a person to make a gift. This means the giver must consciously decide to transfer ownership of a property or asset to another person without expecting anything in return. It is important to distinguish donative intent from situations where something is given unintentionally or under duress.
Donative intent is primarily used in the context of gift law, which falls under civil law. It is crucial in determining the validity of a gift. Legal professionals often assess donative intent when disputes arise over whether a gift was intended or if it was made under pressure. Users can manage some related legal processes, such as drafting gift agreements, by utilizing templates available from US Legal Forms.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A grandmother verbally tells her grandson that she intends to give him her antique clock as a gift. She later hands him the clock. This scenario demonstrates clear donative intent.
Example 2: A friend gives another friend a car, stating it is a gift, and signs over the title. This action shows both intent and delivery of the gift.
| State | Donative Intent Variations |
|---|---|
| California | Requires clear evidence of intent and delivery for gifts to be valid. |
| New York | Similar to California, but also emphasizes written documentation for larger gifts. |
| Texas | Allows for oral gifts but requires clear intent and delivery. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Gift | A voluntary transfer of property without consideration. | Donative intent is a component of a valid gift. |
| Bequest | A gift of personal property made in a will. | Bequest specifically refers to gifts made after death, while donative intent applies to gifts made during life. |
If you believe you have made a gift or are involved in a dispute regarding donative intent, consider the following steps:
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.
Donative intent is the clear intention of a person to make a gift.