Contracts & Disputes

Frustration of Contract

Also known as: frustration

In plain English

When something unexpected makes a contract impossible or radically different to perform — through no one's fault — the law can bring it to an end.

What it means

A contract is frustrated when, after it is formed, an unforeseen event makes performance impossible, illegal, or radically different from what the parties agreed — and neither party is at fault. Examples include the destruction of essential subject matter or a change in the law. Frustration automatically discharges the contract from the moment of the frustrating event, releasing both parties from future obligations. The bar is high: a contract is not frustrated merely because it has become harder, more expensive, or less profitable to perform.

How it's used

When the historic hall booked for the wedding burned down before the date, the venue contract was frustrated and both parties were released.

Dealing with frustration of contract in real life?

Recover what you are owed and resolve contract disputes without hourly billing. Our AI assistant, Rachel Z, takes your details in minutes and a qualified Australian lawyer handles the rest — at a fixed fee, with no hourly billing.