You may be thinking…

“If the template is freely available online, it must be fine, otherwise it wouldn’t be there.”
Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Most templates are outdated, incomplete, or simply don’t reflect your specific situation.

Clients often ask me

• Is it safe to use a free donation agreement template?

• What mistakes are most common in these templates?

• Can I use them to donate real estate?

• When is it better to hire a lawyer than to rely on a template?

The most common risks of “free templates”

1. Incomplete – missing clauses on conditions, revocation, or tax obligations.

2. Outdated – laws change, but internet templates usually don’t.

3. Too general – one-size-fits-all text ignores your specific property and relationships.

4. Invalidity – vague description of the gift → Land Registry rejects the entry.

5. No guarantee – no one is liable for errors in a free template.

Step-by-step approach

1. If you’re using a template, check whether it’s up-to-date.

2. For real estate, verify that it contains exact parcel identification and a proposal for registration.

3. For larger sums or complex donations, always have it reviewed by a lawyer.

4. Remember: an online template can be an inspiration, but never a complete solution.

Real-life examples

• A client used a template to donate land. It lacked a proposal for registration – the Land Registry stopped the process.

• Parents downloaded a template without a right of use clause. After the donation, their children evicted them from the apartment.

• A client used an outdated online form. The tax office later reassessed her and demanded back taxes.

Why a free template is not enough

A donation agreement is not a formality. Every situation is different – donating money to your child is not the same as donating an apartment to your sibling or a car to a friend. A template never covers all the variations.

Lawyer’s recommendation (checklist)

☑ never rely solely on a free online template
☑ check whether the agreement allows for revocation of the donation
☑ for real estate, always include verified signatures and a registration proposal
☑ add a right of use clause if you need it
☑ invest in legal review instead of risking invalidity

FAQ

Is a free template better than a notarial contract?
A template can serve as inspiration, but only a professionally drafted contract provides real security.

Can I use a template to donate real estate?
In theory yes, but in practice, Land Registries often reject incomplete agreements.

How much does it cost to have a lawyer review a contract?
Usually far less than a lawsuit caused by a faulty template.