Implied-in-Fact Contract
An “Implied-in-Fact Contract” refers to a contractual agreement that arises not from explicit written or verbal expressions but from the conduct, actions, or situational context of the involved parties, which collectively suggest a mutual intent to agree. This type of contract is deduced from the circumstances that demonstrate an unspoken understanding and agreement between the parties.
Elements of an Implied-in-Fact Contract
- Offer and Acceptance: The behaviors or situational context must clearly indicate that one party has extended an offer, which the other party has subsequently accepted.
- Consideration: There must be an exchange of value between the parties, which can be in various forms, not limited to monetary compensation.
- Mutual Intent to be Bound: The involved parties, through their conduct or the prevailing circumstances, must manifest an intention to be bound by the agreement.
- Capacity: The parties must possess the legal capacity to form a contract, which includes being of a certain age and having the mental capability to understand the agreement.
An example of an implied-in-fact contract could be when a service is rendered by one party at the request of another, with both parties understanding that the service is not intended to be gratuitous, implying an expectation of compensation.
The concept of implied-in-fact contracts is acknowledged within the legal framework of California, embedded within the broader principles of contract law.
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