Legal Definitions - dependent condition

A dependent condition is an uncertain event that triggers or negates a duty to perform a promised action. It can be a future event on which the existence or extent of an obligation or liability depends. For example, if Jones promises to pay Smith $500 for repairing a car, Smith's failure to repair the car relieves Jones of the promise to pay.

Another example of a dependent condition is a contractual term that makes an event a condition. If a court construes a contractual term to be a condition, then its untruth or breach will entitle the party to whom it is made to be discharged from all liabilities under the contract.

Overall, a dependent condition is a stipulation or prerequisite in a contract, will, or other instrument that constitutes the essence of the instrument. It can be either unconditional or conditional, and it can be expressed or implied.