consummation
Consummation means the completion of a thing. Some common uses of the term “consummation” in a legal sense include:
- In the context of marriage, consummation means the actualization of marriage. It is the first act of sexual intercourse after marriage between a husband and wife. Consummation is particularly relevant under canon law , where failure to consummate a marriage is a ground for divorce or an annulment .
- In the context of a contract, consummation occurs when everything required to be done in relation to a contract has been accomplished. As explained in this case , the place where the consummation of contract took place sometimes holds significance to determine the applicable law for the interpretation of the contract.
- In the context of bankruptcy, consummation means “ substantial consummation ” as defined in 11 U.S.C. section 1101(2) (popularly called the Bankruptcy Code ).
[Last reviewed in June of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team ]
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