Interference with contract is a legal term that refers to a situation where one party disrupts the contractual relationship between two other parties. This disruption can lead to one party breaching the contract, resulting in damages. Essentially, it involves actions taken by a third party that intentionally and improperly interfere with the contractual obligations of the parties involved.
This term is primarily used in civil law, particularly in cases involving torts. Interference with contract claims can arise in various contexts, such as business disputes, employment relationships, and personal agreements. Users can often manage these issues with the help of legal templates available through US Legal Forms, which are drafted by experienced attorneys.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A business owner learns that a competitor is trying to persuade their employees to break their contracts and join the competitor's firm. If the employees leave and the original business suffers financial losses, the owner may have a claim for interference with contract against the competitor.
Example 2: A landlord who has a lease agreement with a tenant may find that a third party is encouraging the tenant to break the lease. If the tenant does so, resulting in financial harm to the landlord, the landlord could pursue a claim for interference with contract. (hypothetical example)
| State | Key Differences |
|---|---|
| California | Requires proof of intentional interference and wrongful conduct. |
| New York | Focuses on the existence of a valid contract and the defendant's knowledge of it. |
| Texas | Emphasizes the necessity of showing that the interference was not justified. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Interference with Contract | Disruption of a contractual relationship by a third party. |
| Tortious Interference | A broader term that includes interference with both contracts and business relationships. |
| Breach of Contract | When one party fails to fulfill their contractual obligations. |
If you believe you are a victim of interference with contract, consider taking the following steps:
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You must show that a valid contract existed, the defendant knew about it, they intentionally interfered, and that you suffered damages as a result.