Terminating contracts

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There are a number of ways in which a contract may be brought to an end. The Practice Notes in this sub-topic summarise the main ways of ending contractual relations and the consequences for each party when that happens. It also includes a series of bespoke Precedents with comprehensive drafting notes tailored to different breach and termination scenarios.

For a summary, in tabular form, of key and/or illustrative cases on contractual disputes (for judgments dating 1 January 2020 onwards), see Practice Notes:

  1. •

    Contract disputes—key and illustrative decisions (2024)

  2. •

    Contract disputes—key and illustrative decisions (2020–2023)

Different avenues for terminating contracts

There are a number of ways a contract may be brought to an end, including where:

  1. •

    one party is in breach of contract entitling the other party to terminate the contract (termination for breach of contract)

  2. •

    one party is entitled to rescind the contract by reason of the other party’s misrepresentation, undue influence or duress (rescission)

  3. •

    the contract is void by reason of mistake, non est factum or statute (void contract)

  4. •

    the parties agree to bring the

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