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Ad Infinitum: The Endless Continuation in Legal Context
Definition & Meaning
The term ad infinitum refers to a situation that continues indefinitely or without an endpoint. It is often used to describe processes or actions that repeat endlessly. In legal contexts, this can relate to ongoing obligations or conditions that do not have a specified conclusion.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
In legal practice, "ad infinitum" may arise in various areas, including:
Civil law: Cases involving ongoing obligations, such as contracts that require perpetual performance.
Family law: Situations like child support that may continue until a child reaches adulthood.
Intellectual property: Copyrights that can exist indefinitely under certain conditions.
Users can manage some of these situations with tools like US Legal Forms, which provides templates for various legal documents.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Here are a couple of examples:
Hypothetical example: A contract for a subscription service that automatically renews each year unless canceled by the user.
Hypothetical example: A court order for child support that continues until the child turns eighteen, with no specified end date unless modified by the court.
State-by-state differences
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
State
Application of Ad Infinitum
California
Child support obligations may continue until age 19 under certain conditions.
New York
Contracts may have specific clauses that define the duration of obligations.
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Difference
Perpetuity
A state of indefinite duration.
Often used in property law, while ad infinitum can apply to various contexts.
Indefinite
Not clearly defined or limited.
Indefinite may imply some potential for termination, whereas ad infinitum suggests no end.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you encounter a situation involving "ad infinitum," consider the following steps:
Review any relevant contracts or legal documents to understand your obligations.
Consult with a legal professional if you have questions about your rights or responsibilities.
Explore US Legal Forms for templates that can help you manage ongoing obligations effectively.
Find the legal form that fits your case
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