What is the Warranty of Assignment and Its Legal Significance?

Definition & Meaning

The warranty of assignment is an implied promise made by an assignor when they transfer their rights to another party, known as the assignee. This warranty ensures that the assignment is legally effective and that the assignor has the authority to make such a transfer. If the assignor has legally transferred their rights at the time of the assignment, the assignee can rely on this warranty. However, if the assignor only promises to transfer rights in the future, the assignment holds no legal weight.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A property owner (assignor) transfers their lease rights to a tenant (assignee). The assignor warrants that they have the legal right to make this transfer and that there are no existing issues that could affect the lease.

Example 2: A company assigns its rights to receive payment from a customer to a third party. The company must ensure that it has the authority to make this assignment and that there are no legal obstacles (hypothetical example).

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Variation
California California law requires written consent for certain assignments.
New York New York generally allows assignments unless specifically prohibited by contract.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition
Assignment The transfer of rights from one party to another.
Delegation The transfer of duties or obligations from one party to another.
Assignee The party receiving the rights from the assignor.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in an assignment, ensure that you have the legal right to transfer the rights and that there are no restrictions in the original contract. It may be beneficial to use legal form templates from US Legal Forms to create an assignment document. If your situation is complex or involves significant legal implications, consider consulting a legal professional for tailored advice.

Quick facts

  • Type of legal concept: Contract law
  • Key parties involved: Assignor, assignee
  • Potential consequences for breach: Legal action for damages

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

It is an implied promise by the assignor that they have the legal right to transfer their rights to the assignee.