What Is Mortis Causa

A Latin term referring to the awareness that death is approaching. In property law, when a party, acting with awareness that their death is approaching, gives something to another party, the resulting gift is known as a gift causa mortis.

What is the meaning of causa mortis?

nounplural noun donationes mortis causa/dəˌneɪʃɪˈəʊniːz/ A gift of personal property made by someone who expects to die in the immediate future, taking full effect only after the donor dies.

What are the characteristics of donation mortis causa?

The distinguishing characteristics of a donation mortis causa are the following: 1. It conveys no title or ownership to the transferee before the death of the transferor; or, what amounts to the same thing, that the transferor should retain the ownership (full or naked) and control of the property while alive; 2.