What defines a "valid gift" in a will?

A valid gift in a will is one that is clearly articulated in the will. This means that the testator, the person creating the will, must specify the gift and its intended recipient in a clear and unambiguous manner within the written document. The clarity and specificity of the language used are essential to avoid any potential disputes or confusion about the testator's intentions after their passing.

When a gift is not explicitly detailed in the will, it can lead to challenges in determining the true intentions of the testator. Unlike verbal communications, which may not hold legal weight and can be easily misinterpreted, a written statement provides the necessary legal backing to ensure that the wishes of the testator are honored as intended.

In the context of the other options, verbal communication alone does not constitute a valid gift because wills must be in writing to be enforceable. A gift made without the testator's intent is a contradiction, as it negates the foundational concept of testamentary gifts, which relies upon the clear expression of intent. Lastly, while charitable donations can be included as gifts in a will, there is no requirement that all valid gifts must be financial donations to a charity; gifts can also include personal property or other types of assets.