The California Commercial Code states that where a contract provides for successive performances but is indefinite in duration, the agreement is valid for a reasonable time, but unless otherwise agreed, the contract may be terminated at any time by either party.
The contract does not become open-ended and the contractor is still obliged to complete the works. Time being at large simply means that the completion date is not specified or calculable by reference to the contract and must therefore be determined with reference to what is reasonable in the circumstances.
Starting a contract without a clear end date raises critical questions about duration and termination rights. These agreements—often referred to as "indefinite" or "perpetual" contracts—remain active until specific events trigger their end.
The Basics of Open-Ended Contracts Open-ended contracts remain valid and enforceable until one or more parties take action to terminate them. Unlike agreements with set durations, these contracts operate based on the following factors: Type and purpose of the contract. Intentions of the parties at the time of signing.
The date of completion is usually set as a certain number of days or weeks from the commencement of works. The time for completion doesn't usually mean the end of all work, but rather the point of substantial completion.
Exchange of contracts can't take place unless the buyer and seller have agreed to a completion date.
An indefinite employment contract, or permanent contract, is a type of employment contract that does not have a specific end date. Under an indefinite contract, an employee works for an employer until either party terminates the agreement.
An executory contract is an agreement that has been signed but not yet fulfilled. In simpler terms, both parties have committed to their roles but haven't completed the actions outlined in the agreement yet. For example, a legal SOW contract is an executory contract until the work is finished.
Matthew Howat, Co-Founder and Commercial Disputes Partner at Howat Avraam Solicitors, comments: Backdating documents is a surprisingly common request from clients. However, under UK law, a contract can create (or confirm) rights relating to past events so there's no need for them to be backdated.
Starting a contract without a clear end date raises critical questions about duration and termination rights. These agreements—often referred to as "indefinite" or "perpetual" contracts—remain active until specific events trigger their end.