Forfeiture Act 1982

1982 CHAPTER 34

An Act to provide for relief for persons guilty of unlawful killing from forfeiture of inheritance and other rights; to enable such persons to apply for financial provision out of the deceased’s estate; to provide for the question whether pension and social security benefits have been forfeited to be determined by the Social Security Commissioners; and for connected purposes.

[13th July 1982]

Commencement Information

I1 Act partly in force at Royal Assent; wholly in force at 31.12.1982 see s. 7(2)

1 The “forfeiture rule”. E+W+S

(1) In this Act, the “forfeiture rule” means the rule of public policy which in certain circumstances precludes a person who has unlawfully killed another from acquiring a benefit in consequence of the killing.

(2) References in this Act to a person who has unlawfully killed another include a reference to a person who has unlawfully aided, abetted, counselled or procured the death of that other and references in this Act to unlawful killing shall be interpreted accordingly.

2 Power to modify the rule. E+W+S

(1) Where a court determines that the forfeiture rule has precluded a person (in this section referred to as “the offender”) who has unlawfully killed another from acquiring any interest in property mentioned in subsection (4) below, the court may make an order under this section modifying [F1 or excluding ] the effect of that rule.

(2) The court shall not make an order under this section modifying [F2 or excluding] the effect of the forfeiture rule in any case unless it is satisfied that, having regard to the conduct of the offender and of the deceased and to such other circumstances as appear to the court to be material, the justice of the case requires the effect of the rule to be so modified [F3 or excluded] in that case.

(3) In any case where a person stands convicted of an offence of which unlawful killing is an element, the court shall not make an order under this section modifying [F4 or excluding] the effect of the forfeiture rule in that case unless proceedings for the purpose are brought before the expiry of the [F5 period of three months beginning with his conviction] [F5 relevant period ].

[F6 (3A) In subsection (3) above, the “relevant period” is the period of 6 months beginning with—

(a) the end of the period allowed for bringing an appeal against the conviction, or

(b) if such an appeal is brought, the conclusion of proceedings on the appeal.]

(4) The interests in property referred to in subsection (1) above are—

(a) any beneficial interest in property which (apart from the forfeiture rule) the offender would have acquired—

(i) under the deceased’s will (including, as respects Scotland, any writing having testamentary effect) or the law relating to intestacy or by way of ius relicti, ius relictae or legitim;

(ii) on the nomination of the deceased in accordance with the provisions of any enactment;

(iii) as a donatio mortis causa made by the deceased; or

(iv) under a special destination (whether relating to heritable or moveable property); or

(b) any beneficial interest in property which (apart from the forfeiture rule) the offender would have acquired in consequence of the death of the deceased, being property which, before the death, was held on trust for any person.

(5) An order under this section may modify [F7 or exclude] the effect of the forfeiture rule in respect of any interest in property to which the determination referred to in subsection (1) above relates and may do so in either or both of the following ways, that is—

(a) where there is more than one such interest, by excluding the application of the rule in respect of any [F8 (but not all)][F8 or all ] of those interests; and

(b) in the case of any such interest in property, by excluding the application of the rule in respect of [F9 all or any] part of the property.

(6) On the making of an order under this section [F10 modifying the effect of the forfeiture rule ], the forfeiture rule shall have effect for all purposes (including purposes relating to anything done before the order is made) subject to the modifications made by the order.

(7) The court shall not make an order under this section modifying the effect of the forfeiture rule in respect of any interest in property which, in consequence of the rule, has been acquired before the coming into force of this section by a person other than the offender or a person claiming through him.

(8) In this section—

• “property” includes any chose in action or incorporeal moveable property; and

• “will” includes codicil.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 2(1) inserted (S.) (1.11.2016) by Succession (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 7), ss. 15(2), 31(2); S.S.I. 2016/210, reg. 2(1)(a)(2)

F2 Words in s. 2(2) inserted (S.) (1.11.2016) by Succession (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 7), ss. 15(3)(a), 31(2); S.S.I. 2016/210, reg. 2(1)(a)(2)

F3 Words in s. 2(2) inserted (S.) (1.11.2016) by Succession (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 7), ss. 15(3)(b), 31(2); S.S.I. 2016/210, reg. 2(1)(a)(2)

F4 Words in s. 2(3) inserted (S.) (1.11.2016) by Succession (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 7), ss. 15(4), 31(2); S.S.I. 2016/210, reg. 2(1)(a)(2)

F5 Words in s. 2(3) substituted (S.) (1.11.2016) by Succession (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 7), ss. 16(2), 31(2); S.S.I. 2016/210, reg. 2(1)(a)(2)

F6 S. 2(3A) inserted (S.) (1.11.2016) by Succession (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 7), ss. 16(3), 31(2); S.S.I. 2016/210, reg. 2(1)(a)(2)

F7 Words in s. 2(5) inserted (S.) (1.11.2016) by Succession (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 7), ss. 15(5)(a), 31(2); S.S.I. 2016/210, reg. 2(1)(a)(2)

F8 Words in s. 2(5)(a) substituted (S.) (1.11.2016) by Succession (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 7), ss. 15(5)(b), 31(2); S.S.I. 2016/210, reg. 2(1)(a)(2)

F9 Words in s. 2(5)(b) inserted (S.) (1.11.2016) by Succession (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 7), ss. 15(5)(c), 31(2); S.S.I. 2016/210, reg. 2(1)(a)(2)

F10 Words in s. 2(6) inserted (S.) (1.11.2016) by Succession (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 7), ss. 15(6), 31(2); S.S.I. 2016/210, reg. 2(1)(a)(2)

3 Application for financial provision not affected by the rule. E+W+S

(1) The forfeiture rule shall not be taken to preclude any person from making any application under a provision mentioned in subsection (2) below or the making of any order on the application.

(2) The provisions referred to in subsection (1) above are—

(a) any provision of the M1 Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975;

[F11 (b) sections 31(6) and 36(1) of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 (variation by court in England and Wales of periodical payments orders and maintenance agreements in respect of marriages);

(c) paragraphs 60(2) and 73(2) of Schedule 5 to the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (variation by court in England and Wales of periodical payments orders and maintenance agreements in respect of civil partnerships); and

(d) section 13(4) of the Family Law (Scotland) Act 1985 (variation etc. of periodical allowances in respect of marriages and civil partnerships). ]

Textual Amendments

F11 S. 3(2)(b)-(d) substituted for s. 3(2)(b) and word (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), s. 263(10)(b), Sch. 27 para. 79; S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(2)

Marginal Citations

M1 1975 c. 63.

4 [F12 Upper Tribunal] to decide whether rule applies to social security benefits. E+W+S

(1) Where a question arises as to whether, if a person were otherwise entitled to or eligible for any benefit or advantage under a relevant enactment, he would be precluded by virtue of the forfeiture rule from receiving the whole or part of the benefit or advantage, that question shall (notwithstanding anything in any relevant enactment) be determined by [F13 the Upper Tribunal].

[F14 (1A) Where [F15 the Upper Tribunal] determines that the forfeiture rule has precluded a person (in this section referred to as “the offender”) who has unlawfully killed another from receiving the whole or part of any such benefit or advantage, [F16 the Upper Tribunal]may make a decision under this subsection modifying the effect of that rule and may do so whether the unlawful killing occurred before or after the coming into force of this subsection.

(1B) [F17 The Upper Tribunal] shall not make a decision under subsection (1A) above modifying the effect of the forfeiture rule in any case unless [F18 it] is satisfied that, having regard to the conduct of the offender and of the deceased and to such other circumstances as appear to [F17 the Upper Tribunal] to be material, the justice of the case requires the effect of the rule to be so modified in that case.

(1C) Subject to subsection (1D) below, a decision under subsection (1A) above may modify the effect of the forfeiture rule in either or both of the following ways—

(a) so that it applies only in respect of a specified proportion of the benefit or advantage;

(b) so that it applies in respect of the benefit or advantage only for a specified period of time.

(1D) Such a decision may not modify the effect of the forfeiture rule so as to allow any person to receive the whole or any part of a benefit or advantage in respect of any period before the commencement of this subsection.

(1E) If [F19 the Upper Tribunal] thinks it expedient to do so, [F20 the Upper Tribunal may direct that its] decision shall apply to any future claim for a benefit or advantage under a relevant enactment, on which a question such as is mentioned in subsection (1) above arises by reason of the same unlawful killing.

(1F) It is immaterial for the purposes of subsection (1E) above whether the claim is in respect of the same or a different benefit or advantage.

(1G) For the purpose of obtaining a decision whether the forfeiture rule should be modified the Secretary of State may refer to [F21 the Upper Tribunal] for review any determination of a question such as is mentioned in subsection (1) above that was made before the commencement of subsections (1A) to (1F) above (whether by [F21 the Upper Tribunal] or not) and shall do so if the offender requests him to refer such a determination.

(1H) Subsections (1A) to (1F) above shall have effect on a reference under subsection (1G) above as if in subsection (1A) the words “it has been determined” were substituted for the words “[F22 the Upper Tribunal] determines”.]

(2) [F23 Tribunal Procedure Rules may make provision] for carrying this section into effect; and (without prejudice to the generality of that) [F24 the rules] may, in relation to the question mentioned in subsection (1) above or any determination under that subsection [F25 or any decision under subsection (1A) above]—

(a) apply any provision of any relevant enactment, with or without modifications, or exclude or contain provision corresponding to any such provision; F26 ...

F26 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F27 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F27 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) In this section—

• F28 ...

• “relevant enactment” means any provision of the following and any instrument made by virtue of such a provision:

  the M2 Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act 1939,

  [F29 the Pension Schemes Act 1993]

  [F30 Part 1 of the Pensions Act 2014, [F31 section 30 of that Act,]]

  the M3 Pensions (Navy, Army, Air Force and Mercantile Marine) Act 1939,

  the M4 Polish Resettlement Act 1947,

  F32 . . ., [F33 the Social Security Acts 1975 to 1991],

• [F34 the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992,]

• [F35 section 1 of the Armed Forces (Pensions and Compensation) Act 2004, ]

and any other enactment relating to pensions or social security prescribed by regulations under this section.

Subordinate Legislation Made

P1 S. 4: power conferred by s. 4 exercised by S.I. 1982/1732; 1984/451; 1987/214

Textual Amendments

F12 Words in s. 4 substituted (3.11.2008) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 38(a)

F13 Words in s. 4(1) substituted (3.11.2008) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 38(b)

F14 S. 4(1A)–(1H) inserted by Social Security Act 1986 (c. 50, SIF 113:1), s. 76(1)(2)

F15 Words in s. 4(1A) substituted (3.11.2008) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 38(b)

F16 Words in s. 4(1A) substituted (3.11.2008) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 38(c)

F17 Words in s. 4(1B) substituted (3.11.2008) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 38(c)

F18 Word in s. 4(1B) substituted (3.11.2008) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 38(d)

F19 Words in s. 4(1E) substituted (3.11.2008) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 38(c)

F20 Words in s. 4(1E) substituted (3.11.2008) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 38(e)

F21 Words in s. 4(1G) substituted (3.11.2008) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 38(b)

F22 Words in s. 4(1H) substituted (3.11.2008) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 38(b)

F23 Words in s. 4(2) substituted (3.11.2008) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 38(f)(i)

F24 Words in s. 4(2) substituted (3.11.2008) by The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 38(f)(ii)

F25 Words inserted by Social Security Act 1986 (c. 50, SIF 113:1), s. 76(1)(3)

F26 S. 4(2)(b) and word omitted (3.11.2008) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 38(f)(iii)

F27 S. 4(3)(4) omitted (3.11.2008) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 38(g)

F28 Words in s. 4(5) omitted (3.11.2008) by virtue of The Transfer of Tribunal Functions Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2833), art. 1(1), Sch. 3 para. 38(h)

F29 Words in the definition of "relevant enactment" in s. 4(5) inserted (7.2.1994) by 1993 c. 48, s. 190, Sch. 8 para. 15; S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

F30 Words in s. 4(5) inserted (6.4.2016 unless brought into force earlier by an order under s. 56(1) of the amending Act) by Pensions Act 2014 (c. 19), s. 56(4), Sch. 12 para. 1

F31 Words in s. 4(5) inserted (6.4.2017) by Pensions Act 2014 (c. 19), s. 56(1), Sch. 16 para. 1; S.I. 2017/297, art. 3(2) (with arts. 4 5)

F32 In s. 4(5), entry relating to the Child Benefit Act 1975 repealed (1.7.1992) by Social Security (Consequential Provisions) Act 1992 (c. 6), ss. 3, 7(2), Sch. 1 (subject as mentioned (6.3.1992) in Local Government Finance Act 1992 (c. 14), s. 118)

F33 Words substituted by virtue of Statutory Sick Pay Act 1991 (c. 3, SIF 113:1), s. 3(1)

F34 Entry in the definition of "relevant enactment" in s. 4(5) added (1.7.1992) by Social Security (Consequential Provisions) Act 1992 (c. 6), ss. 4, 7(2), Sch. 2 para. 63(3)(b)

F35 Words in s. 4(5) inserted (6.4.2005) by Armed Forces (Pensions and Compensation) Act 2004 (c. 32), ss. 7(1), 8; S.I. 2005/356, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 4: certain functions of the Secretary of State transferred to the Lord Chancellor by S.I. 1984/1818, art. 2(c), Sch.

Marginal Citations

M2 1939 c. 82.

M3 1939 c. 83.

M4 1947 c. 19.

5 Exclusion of murderers. E+W+S

Nothing in this Act or in any order made under section 2 or referred to in section 3(1) of this Act [F36 or in any decision made under section 4(1A) of this Act] shall affect the application of the forfeiture rule in the case of a person who stands convicted of murder.

Textual Amendments

F36 Words inserted by Social Security Act 1986 (c. 50, SIF 113:1), s. 76(1)(4)

6 Corresponding provision for Northern Ireland. U.K.

An Order in Council under paragraph 1(1)(b) of Schedule 1 to the M5 Northern Ireland Act 1974 (legislation for Northern Ireland in the interim period) which contains a statement that it is made only for purposes corresponding to the purposes of this Act—

(a) shall not be subject to paragraph 1(4) and (5) of that Schedule (affirmative resolution of both Houses of Parliament); but

(b) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House.

Marginal Citations

M5 1974 c. 28.

7 Short title, etc. E+W+S

(1) This Act may be cited as the Forfeiture Act 1982.

(2) Section 4 of this Act shall come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may appoint by order made by statutory instrument; and sections 1 to 3 and 5 of this Act shall come into force on the expiry of the period of three months beginning with the day on which it is passed.

(3) This Act, except section 6, does not extend to Northern Ireland.

(4) Subject to section 2(7) of this Act, an order under section 2 of this Act or an order referred to in section 3(1) of this Act and made in respect of a person who has unlawfully killed another may be made whether the unlawful killing occurred before or after the coming into force of those sections.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 Power of appointment conferred by s. 7(2) fully exercised: 31.12.1982 appointed for the purposes of s. 4 by S.I. 1982/1731, art. 2