Legal Definitions - manual gift

A manual gift refers to a type of gift where physical property is directly transferred from one person to another through physical delivery, with the clear intention of immediately and permanently transferring ownership, and the recipient accepts the item. This form of gift is characterized by the physical handing over of the item, making the transfer of possession evident and immediate.

• Example 1: Sarah hands her vintage guitar to her niece, Emily, stating, "This is yours now, I want you to have it." Emily gratefully accepts the guitar.

  Explanation: This is a manual gift because Sarah physically delivered the guitar to Emily, clearly expressed her intent to transfer ownership immediately, and Emily accepted it. The physical act of handing over the guitar completes the gift.

• Example 2: During a family gathering, Mr. Henderson takes off his antique pocket watch and places it directly into his grandson Michael's hand, saying, "This watch has been in our family for generations, and I want you to be its next caretaker." Michael takes the watch and thanks his grandfather.

  Explanation: This scenario illustrates a manual gift as Mr. Henderson physically transferred the pocket watch to Michael, demonstrating his clear intent to give it to him. Michael's acceptance of the watch completes the transfer of ownership through physical delivery.

• Example 3: A local artist, Ms. Chen, personally delivers a sculpture she created to the community art center, telling the director, "I'd like to donate this piece to the center's permanent collection." The director accepts the sculpture and places it in the gallery.

  Explanation: This is a manual gift because Ms. Chen physically delivered the sculpture to the art center's director, expressing her intent to transfer ownership as a donation. The director's acceptance and placement of the sculpture confirm the completion of the manual gift.