Legal Definitions - void on its face

Definition: Void on its face means that an instrument, like a contract or deed, is patently void upon inspection of its contents. It has no legal effect and is considered null.

For example, if a contract contains illegal terms or violates public policy, it is void on its face. This means that the contract is not enforceable and has no legal effect from the beginning.

The term "facially void" is also used to describe an instrument that is clearly and obviously void upon inspection of its contents.

It is important to distinguish between void and voidable. Void means that the provision is of no effect whatsoever, while voidable means that the provision is not necessarily null, but can be avoided or cancelled at the election of one party to the contract.

Another example of void on its face is a deed or other instrument affecting property that has an insufficient property description, making it unenforceable.

Overall, void on its face means that an instrument is clearly and obviously null and has no legal effect.