Legal Definitions - tangible-personal-property memorandum

A Tangible Personal Property Memorandum (TPPM) is a separate, written document, either handwritten or signed by the owner, that lists specific physical items of personal property and identifies the individuals who should receive them upon the owner's death.

This memorandum is distinct from a person's main will. However, if the will specifically mentions and refers to this memorandum, the instructions within the TPPM become legally binding. This allows the owner to distribute particular items without having to amend their entire will every time they wish to change a specific gift of personal property.

• Example 1: Sarah owns a valuable collection of rare coins and an antique grandfather clock that has been in her family for generations. Instead of listing each coin set and the clock in her main will, which might be lengthy and require frequent updates, she creates a Tangible Personal Property Memorandum. In this document, she writes, "My rare coin collection to my nephew, Michael, and the antique grandfather clock to my niece, Emily." Her will then includes a clause stating that any separate memorandum regarding tangible personal property should be followed. This ensures Michael and Emily receive these specific items as per her wishes.

• Example 2: David is an avid car enthusiast and owns a meticulously restored vintage sports car, along with a comprehensive set of professional photography equipment. He wants his son, Mark, to inherit the car, and his daughter, Lisa, who shares his passion for photography, to receive the equipment. David drafts a Tangible Personal Property Memorandum, detailing these specific bequests. His will references this memorandum, making his instructions for the car and photography gear legally enforceable without cluttering the main will with detailed descriptions of these items.

• Example 3: Maria has a cherished collection of first-edition books and a unique, custom-made desk that holds significant sentimental value. She wishes for her goddaughter, Chloe, to receive the book collection and her best friend, Robert, to inherit the desk. Maria prepares a Tangible Personal Property Memorandum, clearly listing these items and their intended recipients. By having her will refer to this memorandum, she ensures that these specific, meaningful possessions are distributed exactly as she intended, separate from the general distribution of her other assets.