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.
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.
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.
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.
Indefinite contracts do not have a fixed end date; instead, they remain in effect until terminated by one of the parties under specified conditions, known as “cause.” These conditions could include breach of contract, failure to meet performance standards, or mutual agreement to conclude the contract.
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.
Exchange of contracts can't take place unless the buyer and seller have agreed to a completion date.
No, contracts do not have to expire. Fixed-term contracts do require an end date, but they aren't the only type of contract that exists. Employment contracts, for example, are often open-ended, as are many software subscription agreements.