The term "universitas rerum" is a Latin phrase that translates to "a whole collection of things." In legal contexts, particularly within civil law, it refers to a grouping of individual items considered collectively. This concept often arises in situations involving inheritance, where a collection of assets or properties is transferred from one individual to another upon death.
Universitas rerum is primarily used in civil law, which governs private rights and obligations. It plays a significant role in estate planning and inheritance law, as it helps define how a collection of assets is treated when passed on to heirs. Users can manage related legal processes by utilizing templates and forms available through platforms like US Legal Forms, which provide resources drafted by experienced attorneys.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A person passes away, leaving behind a collection of real estate properties. These properties are considered a universitas rerum, and ownership is transferred to the designated heirs.
Example 2: (hypothetical example) An individual has a collection of artworks and antiques. Upon their death, these items are collectively treated as a universitas rerum, simplifying the transfer process to beneficiaries.
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Variation |
|---|---|
| California | Specific laws governing the transfer of collections in estate planning. |
| New York | Different requirements for documenting collections in wills. |
| Texas | Unique provisions for the classification of assets as universitas rerum. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Universitas rerum | A collection of items or assets treated as a whole. | Focuses on the collective nature of items, especially in inheritance. |
| Res | Individual items or properties. | Refers to single items rather than a collection. |
If you find that universitas rerum is relevant to your situation, consider the following steps:
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.
It means a whole collection of things, particularly in legal contexts related to asset transfer.