Legal Definitions - testamentary gift

A testamentary gift is a type of gift that is made in a will. It is a voluntary transfer of property to another without compensation. The thing transferred is called a gift.

For example, if a person writes in their will that they want to leave their car to their niece, that is a testamentary gift. The car is the thing transferred, and the niece is the recipient of the gift.

Testamentary gifts can also be made to organizations, such as a charity or a religious institution. For instance, if a person writes in their will that they want to donate $10,000 to a local animal shelter, that is a testamentary gift.

It is important to note that a testamentary gift only takes effect after the person who made the will has passed away. Until then, they can change or revoke the gift at any time.