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An '''implied-in-fact contract''' (also, "contract implied-in-fact" or simply, "implied contract") refers to a contract that exists by virtue of non-verbal conduct, rather than by explicit words. An implied contract has the same legal force as an express contract, though it may be more difficult to prove the existence and terms of an implied contract should a dispute arise. Generally an implied-in-fact contract is formed when one accepts something of value knowing that the other party expects compensation. For example, by going to a doctor for a physical, a patient agrees that he will pay a fair price for the service. If he refuses to pay after being examined, he has breached a contract implied in fact.
An '''implied-in-fact contract''' (also, "contract implied-in-fact" or simply, "implied contract") refers to a contract agreed by non-verbal conduct, rather than by explicit words. Such contracts are formed when one party accepts something of value knowing that the other party expects compensation. For example by visting a doctor, a patient agrees to pay a fair price for the service. If he refuses to pay after being examined, he has breached a contract implied in fact.


For example, when you purchase a sandwich the contractual terms are simple enough to negate the need for an explicit agreement. Many businesses are based on implicit contracts not covered by law, but by mutual interest of the parties. Another example of this is variable rates of interest on [[mortgages]]: there is no formal agreement by the building society not to raise rates substantially, however rates are not raised normally as it is in their interest to maintain competitive interest rates.
Generally, an implied contract has the same legal force as an express contract. However, it may be more difficult to prove the existence and terms of an implied contract should a dispute arise.  In some juristictions, contracts involving [[real estate]] may not be created on an implied-in-fact basis.
 
Many businesses are based on implied-in-fact contracts not covered by law, but by mutual interest of the parties. Take as an example, the variable rates of interest on [[mortgages]]: there is no formal agreement by the lender not to raise rates substantially, however rates are not raised normally as it is in their interest to maintain competitive interest rates.
 
== See Also ==
 
[[Implied in law contract]]


[[Category:Contract law]]
[[Category:Contract law]]
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Revision as of 01:07, January 18, 2007

An implied-in-fact contract (also, "contract implied-in-fact" or simply, "implied contract") refers to a contract agreed by non-verbal conduct, rather than by explicit words. Such contracts are formed when one party accepts something of value knowing that the other party expects compensation. For example by visting a doctor, a patient agrees to pay a fair price for the service. If he refuses to pay after being examined, he has breached a contract implied in fact.

Generally, an implied contract has the same legal force as an express contract. However, it may be more difficult to prove the existence and terms of an implied contract should a dispute arise. In some juristictions, contracts involving real estate may not be created on an implied-in-fact basis.

Many businesses are based on implied-in-fact contracts not covered by law, but by mutual interest of the parties. Take as an example, the variable rates of interest on mortgages: there is no formal agreement by the lender not to raise rates substantially, however rates are not raised normally as it is in their interest to maintain competitive interest rates.

See Also

Implied in law contract Template:Law-stub