Which statement correctly describes a condition subsequent?

Which statement correctly describes a condition subsequent?

• A. Condition precedent must be met before there is an obligation.
• B. Condition concurrent requires performance at the same time.
• C. Condition subsequent ends the obligation when the event occurs.
• D. All express conditions are optional.

Answer: (C)

Condition subsequent is about ending a party’s duty to perform once a specific event happens after the contract is formed. In this setup, the obligation exists, but the happening of the designated event cuts it off. That’s why the statement that the obligation ends when the event occurs captures exactly how a condition subsequent works. For example, a contract to sell property might say the obligation to transfer ends if the property is destroyed; once destruction occurs, there’s no longer a basis to perform. This differs from a condition precedent, which must happen before any duty to perform arises, and from a concurrent condition, which requires performance to occur at the same time. The idea that all express conditions are optional is incorrect, since express conditions can be mandatory and define how or when obligations remain in force or end.

Condition subsequent is about ending a party’s duty to perform once a specific event happens after the contract is formed. In this setup, the obligation exists, but the happening of the designated event cuts it off. That’s why the statement that the obligation ends when the event occurs captures exactly how a condition subsequent works. For example, a contract to sell property might say the obligation to transfer ends if the property is destroyed; once destruction occurs, there’s no longer a basis to perform.

This differs from a condition precedent, which must happen before any duty to perform arises, and from a concurrent condition, which requires performance to occur at the same time. The idea that all express conditions are optional is incorrect, since express conditions can be mandatory and define how or when obligations remain in force or end.