null and void
Definition
When something is null and void, it means a contract, agreement, or clause has absolutely no legal force and is treated as if it never existed in the first place. A court or law has essentially canceled it out, so neither party has any obligations under it.
Example
If you signed a contract that required you to do something illegal, that contract would be null and void, meaning you could not be sued for walking away from it.
Watch Out
Just because you think an agreement should be null and void does not make it so, and you should always get a lawyer to formally confirm this before you stop honoring a contract.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.