What is frustration of contract? A contract is frustrated when it becomes impossible to perform due to a “supervening event” – one that isn't the fault of any of the parties, and that they couldn't reasonably have predicted.
If an unforeseen event makes it impossible to fulfil the terms of a contract — and neither party is at fault — the contract might be considered “frustrated.” When a contract is frustrated, any obligations that have not been performed are discharged, effectively bringing the contract to an end.
Discharge by frustration occurs when unforeseen events make performance of the contract impossible, impractical, or illegal. The unforeseen event can be a natural disaster, change in laws and regulations, or government intervention.
The doctrine of frustration states that frustration occurs when an unforeseen event renders performance of a contract impossible or radically different from that originally contemplated by the parties. No party is considered at fault. If a contract is found to be frustrated, it is automatically terminated.
Contract frustration arises due to unforeseen circumstances that make performance impossible or significantly different, resulting in automatic termination. On the contrary, a breach of contract occurs when one of the parties fails to fulfill its obligations under a signed agreement.
When is a contract frustrated? A contract will be frustrated if a supervening event occurs which makes it impossible to perform the contractual obligations involved. Or, where that performance would be radically different because of the supervening event.
Published by a LexisNexis Dispute Resolution expert Frustration is a doctrine in English law comprising a Common law right to terminate a contract where a frustrating event occurs after the contract date.
A frustration of contract means that the contract is no longer valid as a circumstance has arisen that has not been addressed in the contract.
Frustration occurs whenever the law recognizes that without default of either party a contractual obligation has become incapable of being performed because the circumstances in which performance is called for would render it a thing radically different from that which was undertaken by the contract.”