What are the two situations in which a contract may be declared to be void or voidable?

Asked by: Dr. Americo Frami  |  Last update: May 26, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (34 votes)

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 conditions when a contract is void or voidable?

A void contract is one that is not valid on its face. It is not enforceable and cannot be enforced, instead, it is treated as if it never existed. A voidable contract is a valid agreement where one party has the right to void the contract if they desire.

What are the situations in which contracts are considered to be voidable occur )?

Circumstances Rendering a Contract Voidable

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 are two factors that can make a contract void?

These are some of the most common reasons:
  • The subject of the contract is illegal. ...
  • The terms are vague or impossible to fulfill. ...
  • Lack of consideration. ...
  • Fraud.

What are the circumstances 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 makes your Contract void or voidable

43 related questions found

What are three ways a contract can become voidable?

A contract may be voidable for qualified legal reasons. These can include a failure to disclose a material fact by one party or the other; a misrepresentation or mistake in the contract; fraud; terms that are unconscionable; or a breach of contract.

What are the three 3 types of mistake that would make a contract void or voidable?

Common law has identified three different types of mistake in contract: the 'unilateral mistake', the 'mutual mistake', and the 'common mistake'. The distinction between the 'common mistake' and the 'mutual mistake' is important.

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.

In which cases a contract can be void?

The contract can also be considered void if an unlawful object or consideration is involved in the agreement. This can include the promise of sex, an illicit substance, or anything else causing one or both parties to break the law.

What are four examples of a voidable contract?

Examples. Voidable contracts often arise due to issues like misrepresentation, undue influence, coercion, or a party's incapacity to consent. For instance, a contract signed under duress or with false information may be voidable.

What is an example of a voidable contract agreement?

He signed an agreement to buy the property. They have been unable to reach agreement about how to achieve reform. Any changes to the plan require the agreement of everyone involved. There is wide agreement on this issue.

How can a contract be breached?

A breach of contract is when one party to the contract doesn't do what they agreed. Breach of contract happens when one party to a valid contract fails to fulfill their side of the agreement. If a party doesn't do what the contract says they must do, the other party can sue.

What is consideration in contract law?

Consideration is something of value exchanged between the parties to a contract. Consideration can be many things such as money, property, service, work performance, or a promise to not do something.

In which of the following situations is a contract considered voidable?

Explanation: A contract is considered void in three situations except when agreement cannot be reached between the parties. A contract is void when one party is a minor, when consideration is unequal, or when consideration is incomplete.

What makes a contract invalid?

Subject matter of the contract involves an unlawful consideration, goes against public policy or is illegal. Contract is entered into under undue influence (duress/fraud). Lack of consideration by any party to the contract.

Does misrepresentation make a contract void or voidable?

Voidable contract examples

Misrepresentation - the other party provided false information to induce you to sign the contract. Undue influence - someone pressured you into signing the agreement. Duress - threats or force were used to make you agree to the terms.

What conditions might make a contract void?

Here are a few situations where a contract could be voidable: If someone was forced or threatened into signing. If someone signed while under the influence. If someone wasn't mentally capable of understanding what they were signing.

What will most likely cause a contract to be void?

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.

Which contracts expressly declared to be void?

Agreements Expressly Declared Void

Agreements that restrain anyone from exercising a lawful profession, trade, or business are void. Agreements that are so uncertain that their meaning cannot be determined are void. Agreements based on a wager are void, except in certain circumstances like insurance.

How do you officially void a contract?

In conclusion, there are several ways to legally void a contract. These include lack of capacity, fraud or misrepresentation, duress or undue influence, unconscionable terms, illegality, mistake, impossibility or impracticability, and breach of contract.

What makes a contract illegal?

What is Illegal Contract? A contract that was made for an illegal purpose and, consequently, violates the law. Contracts are illegal if the performance or formation of the agreement will cause the parties to engage in activity that is illegal.

What are the five ways a contract or contract obligation may be discharged?

Discharge is a broad term meaning a release of the parties from their contractual obligations (the contract has been fully performed, frustrated, or rendered unenforceable in any other way). It might be caused by full or substantial performance, breach, mutual agreement, lapse of time, frustration, or operation of law.

What makes a contract unenforceable?

If any kind of misrepresentation or fraud occurs during the contract negotiation process, the contract itself can be held unenforceable. Misrepresentation can happen when a party says something false or conceals something important.

What types of mistakes will allow rescission of a contract?

The court must find a valid legal basis for rescinding the contract, such as misrepresentation, mistake, duress, undue influence, incapacity, or illegality. Rescission by court order is subject to judicial discretion and equitable principles.

What is the single mistake rule?

If only one party is mistaken, the mistake is a “unilateral mistake” of law. One may rescind for a unilateral mistake of law only if the other party knows of, but does not correct, and takes advantage of or unfairly obtain the benefit of the rescinding party's mistake of law.