united-states
Legal process for formally relinquishing property?
<p>Suppose that in the US, Alice has some item in her possession which, for whatever reason, she no longer wishes to own. Does simply abandoning it (e.g. leaving it in a public space) qualify as relinquishing it? Can she give as a sort of hostile gift to someone else, even if they don’t want it? What if the item is somehow registered to her, like if it was a car?</p>
<p>This could be applicable in situations where people have to tell a court about their property. If Alice was getting a divorce, say, could she leave some possession in the middle of a public way and no longer have to mention that possession during court proceedings?</p>

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<p>Does simply abandoning it (e.g. leaving it in a public space) qualify as relinquishing it?</p>
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<p>No. This is littering - Alice will be fined and have to take it away.</p>
<p>If Alice were to dispose of it lawfully in the garbage or at a waste disposal facility, that would be fine.</p>
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<p>Can she give as a sort of hostile gift to someone else, even if they don’t want it?</p>
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<p>No. A gift has to be accepted by the recipient. This is why pardons can be refused.</p>
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<p>What if the item is somehow registered to her, like if it was a car?</p>
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<p>There are procedures in place for deregistering and disposing of things like motor vehicles.</p>
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<p>If Alice was getting a divorce, say, could she leave some possession in the middle of a public way and no longer have to mention that possession during court proceedings?</p>
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<p>No. This is theft because the property is not solely Alice’s.</p>
