Contributory - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition contributory

Definition :

Contributory, a person liable to contribute to the assets of a company in the event of it being wound up. See also Re Aidall Ltd., 1933 Ch 323. Two lists of contributories are prepared by the liquidator, viz., one (the 'A list') of those who are shareholders at the time of the winding-up order, and who are primarily liable to contribute, and another (the 'B list') of those who have ceased to be shareholders but have been shareholders within the twelve months previously, and who are liable in a secondary degree. A shareholder may sometimes avoid liability by transfer to a pauper. See Re Discoveries Finance Corporation, (1910) 1 Ch 312, but see Hyam's Case, (1859) 1 De 9 F&J 75. Directors with unlimited liability of a limited company are (in addition) liable as if they were members of an unlimited company unless they have ceased to hold office for a year or upwards before the commencement of the winding-up. See generally (English) Companies Act, 1929, ss. 157-192; COMPANY, and LIMITED LIABILITY.