Personal Property Memorandum

PERSONAL PROPERTY MEMORANDUM

State of Connecticut

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE

Connecticut is not a UPC § 2-513 state. Connecticut does not have a specific
statute authorizing a separate writing or memorandum for the disposition of tangible
personal property that may be created or modified after will execution. This
memorandum has limited legal enforceability in Connecticut unless properly
incorporated by reference into a will that was executed after this writing was
prepared.

Recommended alternatives in Connecticut:

• Specific bequests in the will for important items of tangible personal property
• Codicil to add or change tangible property gifts after will execution
• Revocable living trust with a personal property schedule
• Letter of intent (non-binding but helpful guidance for the executor)
• This memorandum as an incorporation-by-reference document (with limitations)

Table of Contents

1. Declarant Identification
2. Reference to Last Will and Testament
3. Legal Authority and Limitations
4. Distribution of Tangible Personal Property
5. Special Instructions
6. General Provisions
7. Execution
8. Sources and References

1. DECLARANT IDENTIFICATION

I, [FULL LEGAL NAME], currently residing at [STREET ADDRESS], [CITY], Connecticut [ZIP CODE], being of sound mind and acting voluntarily, do hereby prepare this Personal Property Memorandum.

Date of Birth: [__/__/____]

2. REFERENCE TO LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT

This Memorandum is prepared in connection with and is intended to be incorporated by reference into my Last Will and Testament dated [__/__/____], which contains the following or substantially similar language:

"I incorporate by reference the Personal Property Memorandum dated [DATE], which I have signed and which describes specific items of tangible personal property and the persons to whom I wish those items distributed."

3. LEGAL AUTHORITY AND LIMITATIONS

Connecticut has not adopted UPC § 2-513 or any equivalent statute authorizing a standalone personal property memorandum. The doctrine of incorporation by reference may permit this writing to be given legal effect, subject to the following limitations:

Limitations in Connecticut:

• ☐ This writing must exist at the time the will is executed
• ☐ The will must specifically reference this writing with sufficient detail to identify it
• ☐ This writing cannot be created or modified after will execution without a new codicil or will
• ☐ Items of significant value should be specifically bequeathed in the will itself
• ☐ This memorandum does not cover real property, money, securities, or business property
• ☐ Connecticut Probate Courts may not enforce this document without proper incorporation

4. DISTRIBUTION OF TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY

I direct that the following items of tangible personal property be distributed to the persons named below. If a named recipient does not survive me, the item shall pass to the alternate recipient, if any, or otherwise as part of my residuary estate.

Jewelry and Watches

Art, Antiques, and Collectibles

Furniture and Household Items

Vehicles and Watercraft

Electronics and Equipment

Firearms

Collections (Books, Coins, Stamps, Memorabilia, etc.)

Family Heirlooms and Sentimental Items

Additional Items

5. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

6. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Property Not Listed: Any tangible personal property not listed in this Memorandum shall be distributed according to the terms of my Last Will and Testament.

Disputes: If any dispute arises regarding the distribution of property listed herein, my Executor shall have the authority to resolve such disputes, and such decision shall be final and binding.

No Monetary Gifts: This Memorandum does not and cannot make gifts of money, securities, real property, or other intangible property.

Connecticut-Specific Warning: Because Connecticut does not have a UPC § 2-513 equivalent statute, the enforceability of this Memorandum depends on proper incorporation by reference. Any modifications to this Memorandum after execution of the will require a codicil or new will to be effective. This document may also serve as a non-binding letter of intent to guide the executor.

7. EXECUTION

I sign this Personal Property Memorandum on the date indicated below. I understand that under Connecticut law, this document must be in existence at the time my will is executed and must be properly incorporated by reference therein to have binding legal effect.

Declarant:

Signature: [________________________________]

Printed Name: [________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]

Witnesses (recommended for evidentiary purposes):

Witness 1:

Signature: [________________________________]
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

Witness 2:

Signature: [________________________________]
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

8. SOURCES AND REFERENCES

• Conn. Gen. Stat. § 45a-251 — Execution of wills
• Conn. Gen. Stat. Title 45a — Probate Courts and Procedure
• UPC § 2-513 — Separate writing identifying devise of certain types of tangible personal property (NOT adopted in Connecticut)
• Connecticut Probate Courts: https://www.ctprobate.gov

This template is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Connecticut does not have a standalone personal property memorandum statute. Consult a licensed Connecticut attorney to ensure enforceability. Last updated: 2026-04-01.