Ambulatory in United Kingdom

Definition of Ambulatory

In accordance with the work A Dictionary of Law, this is a description of Ambulatory : adj.

(of a will)

Taking effect not from when it was made but from the death of the testator. Thus descriptions of property bequeathed or of beneficiaries are taken to refer to property or persons existing at that time. The will remains revocable until death.

Concept of Ambulatory

The following is an old definition of Ambulatory [1], a term which has several meanings:1. Moving about from one place to another; not held in any one place; not stationary. The court of common pleas while it followed the king’s household was said to be ambulatory

Alternative Meaning

Not fixed in legal character; not yet settled past alteration; revocable. In this category is a sheriff’s return until filed; and a will, to the last moment of testamentary rationality. Voluntas testatoris est ambulatoria usque ad mortem. The will of a testator is ambulatory (alterable, revocable) up to his death.

Resources

Notes and References

1. Meaning of Ambulatory provided by the Anderson Dictionary of Law (1889) (Dictionary of Law consisting of Judicial Definitions and Explanations of Words, Phrases and Maxims and an Exposition of the Principles of Law: Comprising a Dictionary and Compendium of American and English Jurisprudence; William C. Anderson; T. H. Flood and Company, Law Publishers, Chicago, United States)