![]() It depends on the facts of the case and the specific relationship between the people involved.ĭuress may happen at any time leading up to the actual signing of the contract. Whether or not there was duress, as a legal matter, may not just depend on whether a "reasonable person" would have felt unduly pressured. This is, by its nature, a subjective assessment. The key to determining whether there was duress is looking at how the actions affected the alleged victim's ability to make an informed decision. Nondisclosure of information that is material to the contract.Unconscionability, or bad faith, in the bargaining process or terms.There are several ways one person may use duress to compel another person to sign a contract, including: One example of duress might be telling someone, "If you don't accept these terms, you'll face financial ruin." Psychological pressure or lies about what could happen if you don't sign may also be considered duress. In extreme cases, a party may threaten physical violence or even death unless you sign. What does it mean to sign a contract under duress?īeing pressured to sign a contract under duress, also called coercion, means you're signing it against your will. However, if you feel that you were coerced or compelled to sign a contract because the other party had leverage over you, made threats if you didn't, or somehow you were dependent on them and felt you needed to sign the agreement because of that dependency, then there may be some coercion there. If someone gave you a hard sell and strongly encouraged you to sign, but the elements of a valid contract are all there, then that would probably not be considered "undue pressure." If you failed to read the contract thoroughly or realized later that you didn't fully understand its terms, that's on you. If you feel you have been forced to sign a contract, there are steps you may take to try to prove your case and invalidate the contract.įirst, though, it's important to understand what it means to be "forced" to sign a contract under the law. ![]() It's possible that someone could force you to sign a contract, but the real question is whether that contract would be valid. Read on for answers to questions you may have about signing under duress and challenging a contract you didn't voluntarily sign. These are all legal terms referring to questionable tactics, and they may invalidate a contract. Still, people do sometimes sign contracts under duress or because of undue influence or coercion. But being forced, pressured, or tricked into signing a contract goes against the very concept of contract law. Your signature on a contract affirms that you understand and accept the terms, whether they involve an exchange or an agreement to do (or not do) something. Make sure your contracts are legit and serve your interestsĪ valid contract is a legally enforceable agreement between two or more mentally competent parties.How do I get out of a contract I signed under duress or as a result of undue influence?.What does it mean to sign a contract under duress?.Read on for answers to questions you may have about signing under duress and challenging a contract you didn’t voluntarily sign.
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