1. Class XI – Gifts (2) Prof. David Glazier Sep 28, 2006 PropertyProperty

2. Overview of Today’s Class Newman v. Bost - gifts causa mortis - delivery Gruen v. Gruen - gifts inter vivos - intent - delivery - acceptance Introduction to Estates (as time permits)

3. Newman v. Bost (N.C. 1898) The Facts: - J.F. Van Pelt, age 62 is on his deathbed -- Widower survived only by - Asks nurse to summon his housekeeper (Π) Julia -- Employed for 10 years, lives in house -- Van Pelt may have planned to marry her - Requests Π get him his keys - Physically gives Π keys -- says everything in house is Π s -- dies intestate shortly thereafter - Life insurance policy found in bureau opened by keys

4. Newman v. Bost (N.C. 1898) General Holdings: Gifts causa mortis - Same criteria as gifts inter vivos -- Intent and delivery -- Conflict w/purpose of statute of wills & fraud -- Doctrine to be strictly construed N.C. precedent supports constructive delivery - where item given is not present - where size/weight preclude manual deliver No symbolical delivery in N.C.

5. California Civil Code 1146. A gift is a transfer of personal property, made voluntarily, and without consideration. 1147. A verbal gift is not valid, unless the means of obtaining possession and control of the thing are given, nor, if it is capable of delivery, unless there is an actual or symbolical delivery of the thing to the donee. 1148. A gift, other than a gift in view of impending death, cannot be revoked by the giver.

6. Beebe v. Coffin (Cal 1908)... the single vital distinction between a gift causa mortis and a gift inter vivos is that the former, being in its nature testamentary, is subject to the donor's revocation while he lives.

7. Newman v. Bost (N.C. 1898) Specific Holdings: -Furniture with locks opened by the keys - Intent? - Delivery? - Julia’s?

8. Newman v. Bost (N.C. 1898) Specific Holdings: -Insurance policy found in bureau - Intent? - Delivery? - Julia’s?

9. Newman v. Bost (N.C. 1898) Specific Holdings: -Household furniture outside bedroom - Intent? - Delivery? - Julia’s?

10. Newman v. Bost (N.C. 1898) Specific Holdings: -Furnishings in Van Pelt’s bedroom - Intent? - Delivery? - Julia’s?

11. Newman v. Bost (N.C. 1898) Specific Holdings: -Furniture in Van Pelt’s bedroom (not keyed) - Intent? - Delivery? - Julia’s?

12. Newman v. Bost (N.C. 1898) Specific Holdings: -Furniture in Julia’s bedroom - Intent? - Delivery? - Julia’s?

13. Newman v. Bost (N.C. 1898) Specific Holdings: -Miss Julia’s piano - Intent? - Delivery? - Julia’s?

14. Gruen v. Gruen (N.Y. 1986) The Facts: Victor Gruen gives son Michael painting via letter -says he will retain painting for his lifetime On atty advice, writes new letter giving painting - separate ltr says its for tax avoidance - still intends to retain for his lifetime Keeps painting until he dies Widow refuses to give up

15. Gruen v. Gruen (N.Y. 1986) General Holdings: Criteria for valid inter vivos gift - Intent -- Must intend irrevocable present transfer -- If intent is testamentary must use will - Delivery -- Sufficient to divest donor’s dominion -- Physical, constructive, or symbolic -- Tailored to circumstances of case - Acceptance -- Law will presume if gift of value

16. AlternativesAlternatives I will give it to Michael when I die To Michael To me for life, then to Michael To Michael upon my death

17. Gruen v. Gruen (1986) The Painting - Intent - Delivery - Acceptance Valid Gift?

18. Jaffe v. Carroll (Cal. App. 1973) California case law requirements for valid gift: (1) donor competent to contract; (2) voluntary intent by donor to make gift; (3) delivery, either actual or symbolical; (4) acceptance, actual or imputed; (5) complete divestment of control by donor (6) lack of consideration for the gift

19. Questions On Gifts?

20. Estates - Transfer Terminology Transfers by a living owner (inter vivos) - Sale: conveyance - Gift: grant Transfers from a deceased owner - By will: devise -- Recipient: devisee - By law: inheritance -- Recipient: heir A living person has no heirs!

21. Freehold Estates Fee Simple Life Estate Fee Tail (obsolete in U.S.)

22. Feudal Origins