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Simple English definitions for legal terms
contemplation of death
Read a random definition: Court of Common Pleas
A quick definition of contemplation of death:
Contemplation of death is when someone thinks about dying and decides to give their things to someone else before they die. This is called a gift in contemplation of death. It doesn't have to be right before they die, just the idea of death can make someone want to give their things away. If someone gives a gift in contemplation of death, it will be counted as part of their money and things when they die.
A more thorough explanation:
Contemplation of death is when someone thinks about dying and decides to give their property to someone else. This is called a gift in contemplation of death or a gift causa mortis.
For example, if someone is very sick and thinks they might die soon, they might give their car to their friend as a gift in contemplation of death. Even if they don't die, the gift is still valid because it was given with the idea of death in mind.
The most important thing about a gift in contemplation of death is the state of mind of the person giving the gift. They don't have to be dying right away, but they do have to be thinking about death when they give the gift. These gifts are also included in a person's estate, which is all the property they own when they die.