When can a contract not prohibit assignment?

Asked by: Millie Grady DDS  |  Last update: February 7, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (6 votes)

A contract generally can't prohibit assignment if the assignment doesn't materially change the obligor's duty or risk, involves a mere right to receive money, or is involuntary (like bankruptcy); courts also favor allowing assignments unless anti-assignment clauses are clear, and sometimes a prohibition on assigning "the contract" only blocks duty delegation, not right assignment, especially for financial claims.

Under what circumstances are assignments prohibited?

The inclusion of an anti-assignment clause in a contract can prohibit any assignments. Assignment materially alters performance. If the performance due under the contract will be materially altered by an assignment or if the risks for the other party are increased, the assignment is unlikely to be enforceable.

When can a contract not be assigned?

Generally, the law allows the assignment of a contractual right unless the substitution of rights would materially change the duty of the obligor, materially increase the burden or risk imposed on the obligor by the contract, materially impair the chance of obtaining return performance, or materially reduce the value ...

What is the prohibition of assignment clause?

The prohibition of assignment is an important contractual clause that prevents a contracting party from transferring its rights and obligations to third parties without consent.

What are the anti-assignment rules?

Generally, an anti-assignment provision prohibits the transfer or assignment of some or all of the assigning party's rights and obligations under the contract in question to another person without the non-assigning party's prior written consent.

Differences Between An Assignment And Novation In an Agreement & Contract - Advice From Lawyer

31 related questions found

What are the 7 rules of a contract?

For a contract to be valid and recognized by the common law, it must include certain elements-- offer, acceptance, consideration, intention to create legal relations, authority and capacity, and certainty. Without these elements, a contract is not legally binding and may not be enforced by the courts.

Are anti-assignment clauses enforceable?

Still, courts normally enforce anti-assignment clauses that are negotiated and agreed upon by both parties, depending on the applicable law, the jurisdiction governing the contract, and the language agreed upon in the contract. Be aware though that courts tend to narrowly interpret anti-assignment clauses.

Can you assign an agreement without an assignment clause?

If you do not include an “assignment, novation and other dealings” clause in your contract, then the parties would be free to assign the benefit of the contract without consent which is consistent with general common law principles and statute.

What is the limitation of assignment?

A Limitation of Assignment clause restricts a party's ability to transfer its rights or obligations under a contract to another party without prior consent.

What types of contract rights cannot be assigned?

However, some rights cannot be assigned, such as:

  • Rights that would significantly change the obligor's duty or risk.
  • Personal service contracts (e.g., contracts based on a specific individual's skill)
  • Rights explicitly restricted by an anti-assignment clause.

What type of contract is not assignable?

Anti-assignment clauses and material changes in duties are common reasons courts may not enforce assignments. Contracts involving personal services or unique obligations are generally non-assignable. Assignments should always be executed in writing and communicated to the non-transferring party (obligor).

What makes an assignment valid?

An assignment must be clear and unequivocal; There must be clear evidence of the intent to transfer rights; An assignment must describe the subject matter of the assignment; Notice to the obligor.

Which of the following contracts could not be assigned?

Personal Service Contracts

The most common example of the non-delegable or non-assignable nature of a personal service contract is that of a famous opera singer who has contracted with an opera to perform.

What do you mean by prohibited assignment?

"Assignment prohibited" refers to a clause in a contract that prohibits a party from transferring their rights, obligations, or interests under the contract to another party without the prior consent of the other party or parties involved.

What are the requirements for an assignment?

Key legal elements

  • Identification of the parties involved in the assignment.
  • Clear description of the rights being assigned.
  • Consent of the party receiving the rights (assignee).
  • Any necessary approvals from third parties, if required.
  • Effective date of the assignment.

At what point are assignments valid?

In order for an assignment and assumption agreement to be valid, the following criteria need to be met: The initial contract must provide for the possibility of assignment by one of the initial contracting parties. The assignor must agree to assign their rights and duties under the contract to the assignee.

What is the rule of assignment problem?

The assignment problem in the general form can be stated as follows: “Given n facilities, n jobs and the effectiveness of each facility for each job, the problem is to assign each facility to one and only one job in such a way that the measure of effectiveness is optimised (Maximised or Minimised).”

What is the restriction on assignment clause?

The core function of this clause is to ensure that each party maintains control over who they are contractually bound to, thereby preventing unwanted or unknown third parties from becoming involved in the agreement. Restriction on Assignment.

What are assignment limits?

An assignment limitation is a clause in a contract that restricts or prohibits one party from transferring or assigning their rights, obligations, or interests under the agreement to another party without the prior consent of the other party or parties involved.

What happens if there is no assignment clause in a contract?

Without an assignment clause, you risk the possibility that the other party can freely assign their benefits without your consent. Therefore, it's essential to be proactive when you wish to assign a contract or transfer an obligation.

What are the two types of assignments?

Another important right is that of assignment. This is the right of the policy owner to transfer all or part of the ownership in the contract to another party. There are two types of assignment: absolute and collateral.

What is Section 177 of the contract Act?

If a time is stipulated for the payment of the debt, or performance of the promise, for which the pledge is made, and the pawnor makes default in payment of the debt or performance of the promise at the stipulated time, he may redeem the goods pledged at any subsequent time before the actual sale of them; but he must, ...

What contracts cannot be assigned?

Contracts that involve personal services, such as employment contracts or contracts for personal performance (like a contract with an artist to perform at a venue), generally cannot be assigned.

What makes a contract clause unenforceable?

One or Both Parties Make a Mistake

Sometimes a contract is unenforceable not because of purposeful bad faith by one party, but due to a mistake of a present fact. The mistake can be on the part of one party (called a "unilateral mistake") or both parties (called a "mutual mistake").

What rights can be assigned despite a contract clause expressly prohibiting assignment?

Contracts That Prohibit Assignment

Even if a contractual provision explicitly prohibits it, a right to damages for breach of the whole contract is assignable under UCC Section 2-210(2) in contracts for goods.