Legal Definitions - impensae

Definition: Impensae (im-pen-see) is a Latin term used in Roman law to refer to expenditures made on a thing. There are three types of impensae:

• Impensae necessariae: Expenditures necessary to prevent deterioration, destruction, or loss of a thing. For example, money spent on building repair or maintenance.
• Impensae utiles: Useful expenditures that improve something and increase its selling value. For example, money spent on renovating a house or adding new features to a car.
• Impensae voluptariae: Expenditures made on a thing for ornamental purposes only. For example, money spent on decorative items like paintings or sculptures.

These types of impensae illustrate the different reasons why someone might spend money on something. Impensae necessariae are necessary expenses that help maintain the value of something. Impensae utiles are expenses that add value to something. Impensae voluptariae are expenses that are purely for aesthetic purposes.

For example, if you own a house, impensae necessariae might include fixing a leaky roof or repairing a broken window. Impensae utiles might include adding a new bathroom or updating the kitchen. Impensae voluptariae might include buying expensive artwork to hang on the walls.