Legal Definitions - forisfamiliation

Definition: Forisfamiliation is a term used in Scots law to describe the process of liberating a child from their father's tutelage. This can occur when a child under the age of majority leaves home, is given seisin in a part of the father's land, or accepts something as a settled inheritance. It is similar to the concept of emancipation.

Example 1: John is a 17-year-old boy who decides to leave home and live with his aunt. His father agrees to this arrangement and gives him permission to do so. This is an example of forisfamiliation because John has been liberated from his father's tutelage.

Example 2: Mary is a 16-year-old girl who inherits a piece of land from her grandfather. Her father agrees to transfer the land to her and she becomes the owner. This is also an example of forisfamiliation because Mary has been liberated from her father's tutelage in relation to this piece of land.

These examples illustrate how forisfamiliation can occur in different ways, such as through a child leaving home or accepting an inheritance. In each case, the child is being liberated from their father's control and gaining independence.