What is a specific devise?

• A. Specific devise
• B. General devise
• C. Demonstrative devise
• D. Residuary devise

Answer: (A)

A specific devise is a bequest of a clearly identified item of property to a named beneficiary. The key is precision: the testator describes an exact asset, such as “my diamond ring” or “the farm at 123 Elm Street,” so that the property can be singled out and transferred as is. The recipient typically takes that exact item from the estate at death, rather than a share of the estate’s general assets. If that specific item isn’t part of the estate when the person dies, the gift can be adeemed, meaning it fails unless the law provides an exception.

This differs from a general devise, which is a bequest of money or value payable from the estate’s general assets without tying the gift to a particular item. A demonstrative devise is similar but specifies a source for a fixed amount (for example, a certain sum from a particular fund) and then may draw from general assets if needed. A residuary devise covers what remains of the estate after all other gifts are satisfied.