How can I terminate a contract early?
April 2, 2023 | 35,00 EUR | answered by Konrad Höfer
Dear contract lawyer,
My name is Adele Riedmüller and I have a question regarding the early termination of a contract. Some time ago, I signed a contract which no longer meets my needs and I would like to terminate it prematurely.
The background information is as follows: The contract was signed six months ago and has a duration of two years. Initially, I was satisfied with the terms of the contract, however, my circumstances have since changed and I am no longer able to avail myself of the agreed services.
My concerns are that I do not know if and how I can terminate the contract early without risking legal consequences. I want to avoid incurring additional costs or facing legal action from my contracting partner.
Therefore, my question to you is: How can I terminate the contract early without encountering legal problems? Are there specific clauses in the contract that I should be aware of or are there legal ways to terminate the contract prematurely? I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with possible solutions so that I can resolve my situation as soon as possible.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Adele Riedmüller
Dear Mrs. Riedmüller,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the early termination of a contract. It is understandable that your circumstances have changed and you would like to end the contract early. In such cases, it is important to review the exact conditions of the contract to determine if and how early termination is possible.
First, you should look at the contract itself to look for clauses that govern early termination. Contracts often contain provisions regarding notice periods, the amount of any potential cancellation fees, or other consequences of early termination. It is important to read these clauses carefully to understand what conditions you need to meet to end the contract early.
If the contract does not contain specific provisions for early termination, the legal provisions apply. According to § 314 of the German Civil Code (BGB), it is possible to terminate the contract for good cause. Good cause exists when, considering all circumstances of the individual case and weighing the interests of both parties, continuing the contract is unreasonable. Important reasons include, for example, a breach of contract by the other party, a change in personal circumstances, or a fundamental change in the basis of the contract.
It is advisable to first have a conversation with your contract partner and explain your situation in detail. They may be willing to agree to an early contract dissolution to avoid further conflicts. If an agreement cannot be reached, I recommend seeking advice from a lawyer to assess your legal options and potentially obtain an extraordinary termination of the contract.
I hope this information helps you and wish you success in the early termination of your contract.
Best regards,
Konrad Höfer
