Legal Definitions - consummation

Definition: Consummation means the completion or fulfillment of something.

Consummation can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are some examples:

• Marriage: In the context of marriage, consummation means the first act of sexual intercourse between a husband and wife after marriage. This act is considered to be the actualization of the marriage. In some religious traditions, failure to consummate a marriage can be grounds for divorce or annulment.
• Contract: In the context of a contract, consummation occurs when all the terms and conditions of the contract have been fulfilled or completed. For example, if a contract requires the delivery of goods and payment, consummation would occur when the goods have been delivered and payment has been made.
• Bankruptcy: In the context of bankruptcy, consummation means "substantial consummation" as defined in the Bankruptcy Code. This refers to the point at which a bankruptcy plan has been substantially performed and the debtor's obligations have been fulfilled.

These examples illustrate how consummation refers to the completion or fulfillment of a particular action or obligation. In each context, there are specific requirements that must be met before consummation can occur.