Legal Definitions - ad colligendum

Ad colligendum is a legal term, derived from Latin, that literally means "for collecting" or "for gathering." In legal practice, it refers to a temporary appointment made by a court, typically in estate administration, for the specific and limited purpose of collecting, preserving, and safeguarding the assets of a deceased person's estate.

This temporary role, often filled by an administrator ad colligendum, is crucial when there is a delay in appointing a permanent executor or administrator for an estate, but immediate action is needed to protect the estate's property from loss, damage, or theft. The individual appointed to this role has very limited powers, focused solely on the preservation of assets, and cannot distribute property or make long-term decisions about the estate.

• Example 1: Protecting Perishable Assets

  After a prominent art collector passed away suddenly without a clear will, his extensive collection of valuable paintings and sculptures was left unsecured in his large, old home. The process of formally appointing a permanent executor was expected to take several weeks due to family disputes over the will's validity. To prevent potential theft, damage from environmental factors (like humidity or temperature fluctuations), or deterioration of the artwork, the court appointed an administrator ad colligendum. This temporary administrator's sole responsibility was to secure the property, arrange for professional climate-controlled storage for the most valuable pieces, and create an initial inventory, thereby "collecting" and preserving the estate's most significant assets until a permanent representative could be named.

• Example 2: Managing an Active Business

  Mr. Davies, the sole proprietor of a thriving organic farm that produced seasonal crops and dairy products, died unexpectedly. His will named his adult children as co-executors, but they lived out of state and needed time to travel, understand the farm's operations, and formally accept their roles. With crops ready for harvest and livestock needing daily care, there was an urgent need to keep the business running to prevent significant financial loss. The court appointed an administrator ad colligendum. This individual was tasked with overseeing the immediate harvest, selling the produce, ensuring the livestock were cared for, and depositing all proceeds into a secure estate account. Their role was strictly "for collecting" the immediate income and preserving the farm's operational value, not for making long-term business decisions or distributing profits.

• Example 3: Securing Vacant Property and Valuables

  An elderly woman, Ms. Rodriguez, passed away in her home, which was known to contain numerous valuable antiques and personal effects. She had no immediate family, and the search for distant relatives who could serve as her estate's administrator was ongoing. While the search progressed, the house remained vacant and vulnerable to vandalism or theft. To safeguard the property and its contents, the court appointed an administrator ad colligendum. This temporary administrator's duties included changing the locks, arranging for security monitoring, and creating a preliminary inventory of the valuable items, ensuring they were "collected" and protected from harm until a permanent estate representative could take full control.