Legal Definitions - divisible obligation

A divisible obligation is a legal or moral duty to do or not do something that can be divided without the consent of the parties involved. This means that either the performing party or the receiving party may unilaterally divide the obligation. For example, if a person owes $1000 to another person, the debt can be divided into smaller amounts, such as $500 or $250, without the consent of both parties.

Another example of a divisible obligation is a contract that requires the delivery of multiple items or services that can be separately rendered or enforced. For instance, a construction contract may require the contractor to build a house, install plumbing, and paint the walls. Each of these obligations can be separately enforced and divided without the consent of both parties.

Divisible obligations are important in contract law because they allow parties to fulfill their obligations in parts, rather than all at once. This can be beneficial for both parties, as it allows for more flexibility and can reduce the risk of default or breach of contract.