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What is a Void Contract?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A void contract is a legal contract which is invalid from the start because some aspect of the contract renders it unenforceable or illegal. This is in contrast with a voidable contract, a contract which is valid at the time it is created but which can be canceled or voided later. It is important to distinguish between these two legal concepts because while no performance is required under a void contract, it is possible to be bound by a voidable contract.

There are several reasons why a contract can be void. The first reason is because the contract involves an illegal activity; people cannot be bound by law to participate in an illegal act. For example, a contract between a drug dealer and a customer is a void contract. Thus, drug dealers cannot sue their customers for nonperformance because there is no contract to hold the customer to.

If a contract involves an illegal activity, it can usually be voided.
If a contract involves an illegal activity, it can usually be voided.

Another reason a contract might be void is because it is structured in such a way that it cannot be performed. A variety of things may cause a contract to be impossible to perform. A contract which is not structured properly or which is illegal is also void. For example, wiseGEEK cannot enter into a contract with President Roosevelt, because President Roosevelt is dead and the contract is not enforceable. Likewise, a contract which involves coercion may be considered void because it is not legal.

Marriage involving someone under the age of 18 is a voidable contract.
Marriage involving someone under the age of 18 is a voidable contract.

With a voidable contract, on the other hand, one of the parties is bound to the contract but it can be voided later, although it may not necessarily be voided. A classic example of a voidable contract is any contract involving a minor. Minors can enter into contracts, but these contracts cannot be enforced. This is why minors are often asked to have an adult cosigner, so that the other party to the contract can be assured that it will be fulfilled. College students applying for student loans below the age of majority, for example, will be asked to have a cosigner to guarantee the loan.

Forcing someone to sign a contract under duress may result in a voided contract.
Forcing someone to sign a contract under duress may result in a voided contract.

People usually do not set out to write a void contract. There have been situations in which people have attempted to litigate for nonperformance or other issues and learned over the course of litigation that the contract is void and that there is no legal recourse. When signing or writing any contract, it is very important to review the contract with care and to have a lawyer check it over to confirm that it will be legally valid and to make sure that all of the terms of the contract are fully understood.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Certlerant

Verbal contracts often do not stand up in court because, once a dispute over an alleged contract reaches the litigation stage, both parties usually have a different story about the terms of the agreement.

However, oddly enough, an implied contract is usually enforceable in a lawsuit. An implied contract is one in which there is no verbal consent to the terms of a deal. Instead, agreement is understood based on the circumstances of the arrangement.

For example, an engagement ring is legally considered a gift in anticipation of one specific event - an eventual wedding.

If the engagement is called off, the ring is the legal property of the person who purchased it, because the binding factor of eventual marriage is no longer present.

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    • If a contract involves an illegal activity, it can usually be voided.
      By: Bruce Shippee
      If a contract involves an illegal activity, it can usually be voided.
    • Marriage involving someone under the age of 18 is a voidable contract.
      By: tomas del amo
      Marriage involving someone under the age of 18 is a voidable contract.
    • Forcing someone to sign a contract under duress may result in a voided contract.
      By: Frank Boston
      Forcing someone to sign a contract under duress may result in a voided contract.