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Simple English definitions for legal terms
frank bank
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A quick definition of frank bank:
Frank Bank is another term for Free Bench, which is a historical law that gave a widow (or widower) half of their deceased spouse's estate until they died or remarried. It was like a special seat by the fire that allowed the surviving spouse to stay in the family home with their children. This law helped ensure that the surviving spouse had some financial security after their partner passed away.
A more thorough explanation:
Frank bank, also known as free bench, is a historical term that refers to the right of a widow or widower to inherit a half interest in their deceased spouse's estate until they either remarry or pass away.
This right was often associated with the idea of a "fireside bench," which allowed the surviving spouse to remain in the family home with their children. The term "frank bank" or "liber bancus" was used to describe this right.
For example, if a man passed away and left behind a wife and children, the wife would have the right to inherit half of his estate through frank bank. This would allow her to continue living in the family home and provide for her children.
The concept of frank bank was an important legal protection for widows and widowers in the past, ensuring that they were not left destitute after the death of their spouse.