California Contract Law Key Terms

Explore California contract law terms including notarization and acceptance

By Sandy Baker

California contract law is detailed and thoroughly outlines the proper processes of establishing, maintaining and ending any formal agreement between two parties. Laws are in place to monitor, protect and even settle disagreements associated with contracts within the state. These laws can be confusing due to some of the terms found in them. Understanding what wrongful termination or acceptance means is an important part of abiding by these laws. Other terms such as breach of contract and contract disputes are also important to understand.

Wrongful termination

Wrongful termination is commonly found on California contracts for employment. In the state, employers may not terminate employment based on factors including disability, religion, sex, age, race or disability.
Try: Lawyers offers more information on the federal and California laws on wrongful termination.

Notarization

Notarization is a term commonly used in California contract law. It is a process by which a commissioned notary public confirms the identity of two individuals signing a document. The notary witnesses the signatures.
Try: The Secretary of the State's California Business Portal provides more information on the responsibilities of the notary. It also offers information on qualifications, online registration and California codes.

Acceptance

Acceptance is a term used to describe one party of a contract agreeing with, or accepting, the terms of the contract provided by another individual. An offer is made by one party. While that offer is still open, the other party may accept it, which begins the contract period.
Try: Weblocator provides more information under its Guide to California Law section on the term acceptance.

Arbitration Certification Program

Under California law, the Arbitration Certification Program helps to certify and monitors all third party arbitration programs in the state. The process ensures that any company selling vehicles upholds contracts associated with new vehicle warranties.
Try: The Department of Consumer Affairs provides more information about the Arbitration Certification Program.

Contract disputes

Contract disputes include a variety of instances when one party on the contract does not believe the other party is holding up their side of the agreement. In real estate investment situations, contract disputes may include property tax assessments, financing disputes, broker disputes or lease disputes.
Try: The Kabak Law Group provides more information on real estate contract disputes in California on their website.

Breach of contract

Breach of contract is often associated with California contract law. It happens when one party of a contract does not fulfill the duties agreed to in a contract.
Try: Kinsey Law Offices provides a detailed explanation of California law as associated with breach of contract.