Legal Definitions - Specific Devise

A specific devise is a type of inheritance that refers to a specific piece of property that is given to a particular person in a will. This is different from a general devise, which refers to a gift of property that is not specifically identified.

• Grandma's antique diamond ring is left to her granddaughter, Sarah, in her will. This is an example of a specific devise because the ring is a specific piece of property that is being given to a specific person.
• Uncle Joe's entire coin collection is left to his nephew, John, in his will. This is also an example of a specific devise because the coin collection is a specific piece of property that is being given to a specific person.

These examples illustrate the definition of a specific devise because in both cases, a particular item of property is being given to a particular person. This is different from a general devise, which might be something like "all of my jewelry" or "half of my estate."