Legal Definitions - per collationem bonorum

Definition: Per collationem bonorum is a Latin term used in Scots law. It refers to the process of bringing goods received into account (collation). When heirs-at-law or heirs who had received from a deceased ancestor during the ancestor's lifetime wished to share in the legitim fund, they had to bring in (to collate) what they had received before the legitim could be shared out.

Example: If a father gave his son a car before he died, and the son wants to share in the inheritance with his siblings, he must bring the value of the car into account (collate) before the inheritance can be divided.

This example illustrates how per collationem bonorum is used in Scots law to ensure that all heirs receive a fair share of the inheritance by taking into account any gifts or advancements made by the deceased ancestor.