Legal Definitions - donation deed

A donation deed is a legal document used to transfer ownership of real property (such as land or buildings) from one party to another as a gift, without any exchange of money or other valuable consideration. It formally records the donor's intention to give the property and the recipient's acceptance, making the transfer legally binding.

• Example 1: Sarah wants to give her beachfront vacation home to her daughter, Emily, as a graduation gift. To legally transfer ownership, Sarah executes a donation deed. This deed specifies that Sarah is the donor, Emily is the recipient, and the property is being transferred as a gift, without any payment from Emily. Once signed, witnessed, and recorded, the donation deed ensures Emily legally owns the vacation home.

• Example 2: Mr. Henderson owns a large undeveloped plot of land next to a local wildlife preserve. He decides to donate this land to a conservation trust to expand the preserve and protect local ecosystems. He uses a donation deed to transfer the property to the conservation trust. The deed clearly states that the land is being given as a charitable gift, establishing the trust as the new legal owner and ensuring the land's future use aligns with its conservation mission.

• Example 3: The Miller family owns a small, unused parcel of land in the center of their town. They decide to donate it to the municipality so it can be developed into a community garden or a small public park. They prepare a donation deed, naming themselves as the donors and the town as the recipient. This legal document formally transfers the property to the town without any cost, allowing the town to proceed with its plans for public benefit.