Impediment

/ɪmˈpɛdɪmənt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A legal or factual obstacle that prevents the fulfillment or performance of a duty, contract, or legal act.
    The discovery of a prior claim was an impediment to the transfer of property.
  2. (n.) In law, a disability or defect that disqualifies a person from undertaking a legal act, such as marriage.
    A close blood relationship is an impediment to marriage under this statute.

Forms

  • impediments

Commentary

Often used in legal drafting to specify conditions that prevent legal validity or enforceability; clarity in identifying the nature of the impediment is crucial.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

Draft confidently with Amicus

Create, negotiate, and sign agreements in one secure workspace—invite collaborators, track revisions, and keep audit-ready records automatically.

Open the Amicus app