How do specific gifts work?

A specific gift is when you leave a particular item or sum of money to someone in your will, naming exactly what they will receive before dividing what’s left.

Why it matters

Specific gifts let you ensure treasured items or set amounts go to the people you choose. Without clear instructions, items can be sold to pay debts or divided up in ways you didn’t intend. They also help executors sort your estate more quickly.

How specific gifts work

• What counts as a specific gift:
  • A particular item, like jewellery, a car or a family heirloom.
  • A fixed sum of money, for example “£5,000 to my niece.”
• Wording example:
  • “I give my diamond ring to my daughter, Emma Smith.”
  • “I give £10,000 to my friend, John Patel.”
• Effect on the rest of your estate:
  1. Pay debts, funeral costs and expenses.
  2. Fulfil all specific gifts exactly as written.
  3. Divide what remains (the residuary estate) among your residuary beneficiaries.

Common mistakes

• Vague descriptions: Saying “my car” without specifying make, model or registration can cause confusion.
• Ignoring gift failure: If the item no longer exists (for example you sold the watch), the gift may lapse unless you include a fallback clause.
• Overlapping gifts: Leaving a fixed sum and then using all your money in residuary shares can lead to a shortfall.

Next steps

1. Try our Estate Planning Health Check to list any specific items or sums you want to gift.
2. Complete your details in our paid online will-writing service—it guides you step by step.
3. Once you receive your will, make sure you sign it with the required witnesses and store it safely.

Post summary

Specific gifts let you leave named items or sums of money to chosen people before splitting the rest of your estate. Be precise in your wording, add fallback clauses and check for overlaps. Use our Health Check to gather your gifts list, draft your will online, then sign with witnesses and store it safely.

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