A contract is usually discharged by performance of the terms of the agreement. However, the parties may agree to a different performance. This is called an accord. When the accord is performed, this is called an accord and satisfaction. The original obligation is discharged.
In order for there to be an accord and satisfaction, there must be
(1) a bona fide dispute;
(2) an agreement to settle the dispute; and
(3) the performance of the agreement.
An example would be settlement of a lawsuit for breach of contract. The parties might settle for less than the amount called for under the contract if the amount is in dispute. An accord and satisfaction is also a method of settling a cause of action arising either from a civil wrong (tort), by substituting for the cause of action an agreement for its satisfaction and the performance of the substituted agreement. The accord is the agreement; the satisfaction is the performance of the agreement.
