What Can Make a Contract Void? - Lawpath (2024)

A void contract is one that is not enforceable under law. This, in turn, means the contract is invalid due to the manner in which the contract was originally drafted. Accordingly, thecontract has failed in some way to adhere to the contract principles of offer, acceptance and consideration. In this sense, the law treats a void contract as one that had never been formed in the first place. Below are situations that may constitute a void contract and the difference between a void and voidable contract.

Elements That May Make a Contract Void

Typically, these situations may render a contract void:

  • One or more of the parties did not have the capacity to enter into the contract;
  • The contract opposes public policy;
  • There is a material mistake in the terms of the contract or material uncertain terms;
  • The purpose of the contract is unlawful or the consideration is unlawful;
  • The contract involves a gamble, wager or bet;
  • Consideration by a party is not given;
  • The contract restricts trade or legal proceedings or impedes certain rights or actions;
  • The contract depends upon an impossible event or requires a party to perform an impossible act.

In these situations, contracts have no possibility of being amended and are immediately void. This means the court will cancel the contract entirely releasing all parties from their obligations. As the contract is said to have never existed, you will not be able to recover any compensation even if a party is in breach.

Moreover, a contract may be void after being properly drafted in these circ*mstances:

  • A similar contract exists but does not contradict or modify the main contract;
  • A previous valid agreement is incorrectly referenced in the contract;
  • A party unilaterally modifies a term in the contract.

It should be noted that a contract may be void simply by being satisfied. So if a condition of the contract is fulfilled before the due date the contract is still void but was successfully adhered to. The main point to consider is when the drafting of the contract renders it void due to the aforementioned situations.

Difference Between Voidable Contracts

There is often confusion between void and voidable contracts. A voidable contract is a contract that is valid but may be voided by one of the parties. Although, if all parties agree to it, a voidable contract may be enforceable. At most, one party will be bound to the contractbut other parties have the option to void the contract by rejecting it. Contracts are usually voidable due to: undue influence, duress, misrepresentation or fraud. Also, depending on the circ*mstances, a court may allow a voidable contract to be rewritten or amended. Therefore, the main difference is that a voidable contract may still be performed under the law.

Conclusion

To prevent your contracts from becoming void it is essential to draft the terms of your contract correctly. Ensure your parties are competent and every term and purpose of the contract abides by the law. Also, continue to correctly adhere and take note of situations that may lead to voidability. If you are unsure as to whether a specific term may invalidate your contract it is recommended to consult a contract lawyer.

What Can Make a Contract Void? - Lawpath (1)

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What Can Make a Contract Void? - Lawpath (2024)

FAQs

What Can Make a Contract Void? - Lawpath? ›

These factors include uncertainty, incompleteness, mistakes, lack of capacity, illegality, and whether the contract breaches public policy. By avoiding these six mistakes, you can avoid having a void contract.

What are the grounds for a contract to be void? ›

These factors include uncertainty, incompleteness, mistakes, lack of capacity, illegality, and whether the contract breaches public policy. By avoiding these six mistakes, you can avoid having a void contract.

What are three circ*mstances that would make this contract void? ›

What makes a contract null and void?
  • Lack of legal capacity. For a contract to be legally binding, the parties signing the agreement should be of legal capacity. ...
  • Illegal or prohibited contracts. ...
  • Misrepresentation or fraud. ...
  • Duress or undue influence.
Jul 27, 2023

What makes a contract legally invalid? ›

Contracts made under duress are invalid and unenforceable. Parties must voluntarily consent to be bound by the agreement without coercion or intimidation. If any party was compelled to enter into the contract against their will, it will invalidate the contract.

What kind of common mistake can make a contract void? ›

A common mistake is the circ*mstance where all parties to a contract are “mistaken” regarding a fundamental matter of fact. If both parties are under the same misapprehension (e.g. the existence of goods under a sale of contract) it may render the contract void at law or, in some circ*mstances, voidable in equity.

What are the 5 ways contracts can be voided? ›

Five ways to void a contract/make a contract ineffective
  • Prove its invalidity. Contracts are only effective if they're legally valid. ...
  • Use capacity to end it. ...
  • Agree to mutually void it. ...
  • Exercise the “cooling off” rule. ...
  • Use the terms of a voidable contract.
Nov 22, 2023

How to make a contract null and void? ›

What makes a contract null and void?
  1. The subject of the contract is illegal. ...
  2. The terms are vague or impossible to fulfill. ...
  3. Lack of consideration. ...
  4. Fraud.

What makes a contract automatically void? ›

Void contracts can occur when one of the parties can be found incapable of fully comprehending the implications of the agreement, like when a person has intellectual disabilities or is inebriated. Agreements involving minors or illegal activities are also generally void.

What makes a contract unenforceable? ›

one of the parties exerted undue influence over the other party. one of the parties misrepresented the terms or conditions of the contract. one of the parties didn't disclose an important fact or detail to the other party. one or both parties made a mistake about something related to the contract.

What are the three factors that make a contract null and void? ›

Due to how it was written or the terms outlined in it, a void contract was never legally valid. A contract may be void if it is found that one of the parties was incapable of fully understanding its implications or was a minor when it was signed. Contracts involving illegal activity are also void.

What are the three elements that make a contract unconscionable? ›

The provision imposes a condition that cannot be met, thereby relieving one party from any obliga- tion. It appears that there are at least three threshold rules leading to a conclusion that a covenant is actually unconscionable — i.e., one-sided, oppressive and likely to result in unfair surprise.

What is a grossly unfair contract said to be? ›

Unconscionable is an adjective that means without a conscience; unscrupulous; so unfair or unjust that it shocks the conscience. The adjective is frequently used in the context of contract law for contracts that have grossly oppressive and unfair terms. When a court finds a contract unconscionable, it is unenforceable.

Which circ*mstance would cause a contract to be void? ›

A contract may be rendered voidable if: Any party was under duress, undue influence, or was being intimidated, coerced, or threatened when entering into the agreement; Any party was mentally incompetent (i.e., mentally ill, below the age of majority, etc.)

What must be misrepresented in a contract to void it? ›

What Makes a Contract Null and Void? A legal misrepresentation consists of false statements of information for which the information involved is critical to the contract and the verbal or non-verbal indications influence another person or business to enter into the agreement.

What type of mistake will allow rescission of a contract? ›

Rescinding a contract may be an option if there is proof that there was a material error in the contract. Evidence of fraud, mutual errors, lack of legal or mental capacity, duress and undue influence, or one party not fulfilling its obligation can also lead contracts to be voided.

What are the circ*mstances under which a contract may be voided? ›

Void contracts can occur when one of the parties can be found incapable of fully comprehending the implications of the agreement, like when a person has intellectual disabilities or is inebriated. Agreements involving minors or illegal activities are also generally void.

What are the grounds for a contract be considered null and void? ›

Withheld or misrepresented information. Breach of contract by one or more parties. One or more parties lacks the capacity to enter into the contract.

What are the three types of void contracts? ›

Let us take a look.
  • 1] Agreement in Restraint of Marriage. Any agreement that restrains the marriage of a major (adult) is a void agreement. ...
  • 2] Agreement in Restraint of Trade. ...
  • 3] Agreement in Restraint of Legal Proceedings. ...
  • 4] An Agreement Whose Meaning is Uncertain. ...
  • 5] Wagering Agreement.

At what point is a contract void? ›

A contract that is void is not legally enforceable and the parties thereto are not legally obligated to each other. Generally, contracts are void because the subject matter is not legal or one of the contracting parties does not have the competency to contract.

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