Legal Dictionary

condition subsequent

Legal Definition of condition subsequent

Noun

A condition in a contract that causes the contract to become invalid if a certain event occurs. This is different from a condition precedent. The happening of a condition subsequent may invalidate a contract which is, until that moment, fully valid and binding. In the case of a condition precedent, no binding contract exists until the condition occurs.

Definition of condition subsequent

Further reading

Condition subsequent refers to an event or state of affairs, such that its occurrence will bring an end to something else. Alternatively, an event or state of affairs that must continue to exist for something else to continue

"When I run out of fuel, the fire will die down" or "so long as I have fuel, the fire will continue." In both cases, running out of fuel is a condition subsequent to the continuance of the fire.

In contract law, a contract may be frustrated on the occurrence of a condition subsequent: in a contract to provide a music hall for a musical performance, the burning down of the music hall may frustrate the contract and automatically bring it to an end.

A Condition Subsequent brings a duty to an end whereas a Condition Precedent initiates a duty.