Legal Definitions - alternative obligation

An alternative obligation is a legal duty that can be fulfilled in at least two different ways, at the choice of the person who owes the obligation. For example, if someone owes a debt of $100, they may have the option to either pay the full amount in cash or provide goods or services worth $100 instead.

Another example of an alternative obligation is a contract that allows the buyer to choose between two different delivery dates for a product. The buyer can choose the date that is most convenient for them.

These examples illustrate how an alternative obligation gives the person who owes the obligation some flexibility in how they fulfill their duty. As long as they choose one of the acceptable options, they will have fulfilled their obligation.