severability
Definition
Severability is a contract or law provision that says if one part gets thrown out or ruled invalid, the rest of the agreement still stands and remains enforceable. Think of it like cutting a bad apple slice off a pie and still being able to eat the rest of the pie. Without this clause, a judge could potentially void your entire contract just because one small piece of it was problematic.
Example
You sign a vendor contract with a non-compete clause that a court later decides is too broad and unenforceable, but because the contract has a severability clause, all the other terms like payment schedules and delivery requirements stay intact. The contract keeps working for you even though that one piece got cut out.
Watch Out
Always make sure your contracts include a severability clause, because without one, a single flawed provision could give the other party grounds to walk away from the entire agreement.
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.