Legal Definitions - Statute of Accumulations

The Statute of Accumulations is a historical law that prohibited the accumulation of property beyond a certain period, which was settled by a deed or will. This law was enacted in 1800 under the 39 & 40 Geo. 3, ch. 98.

For example, if a person left a will that stated their property should be held in trust for their children until they reach the age of 25, the Statute of Accumulations would limit the accumulation of income from that property to 21 years. After 21 years, any income that had not been distributed would be forfeited to the Crown.

Another example would be if a person settled a trust that would accumulate income for a period of 50 years. The Statute of Accumulations would limit the accumulation of income to 21 years, and any income that had not been distributed after that time would be forfeited to the Crown.

These examples illustrate how the Statute of Accumulations was designed to prevent the hoarding of wealth and ensure that property was distributed fairly among beneficiaries. It also ensured that the Crown received its fair share of income from accumulated property.