Legal Definitions - hereafter

Hereafter is a legal term meaning from this point forward or from now on.

It is used in documents to indicate that a condition, rule, or designation will apply subsequently to the date of the document or the current moment.

Hereafter is a legal term meaning from this point forward or subsequently. It is used to establish that a condition, rule, or action will take effect at the moment the statement is made or the document is signed, and will continue to apply into the future.

Here are a few examples to illustrate its use:

• Example 1: In a Contract

  Imagine a business contract between two companies, Alpha Corp and Beta Solutions. A clause might state: "Alpha Corp agrees that all software developed for Beta Solutions hereafter shall include a perpetual license for Beta Solutions."

  Explanation: This means that from the moment this contract is signed, any and all software Alpha Corp develops for Beta Solutions in the future will automatically come with a perpetual license, without needing further negotiation for each new project.

• Example 2: In a Will or Trust

  Consider a person creating their last will and testament. A provision might read: "I direct that all my real property, including any property I may acquire hereafter, shall be bequeathed to my daughter, Sarah."

  Explanation: This clause ensures that not only the property the person currently owns, but also any land or buildings they purchase or inherit after the will is written, will automatically pass to Sarah upon their death, without needing to update the will specifically for each new acquisition.

• Example 3: In a Legal Ruling or Statute

  A court might issue a ruling stating: "The court finds that the defendant's actions constitute a breach of contract, and the defendant shall hereafter be prohibited from engaging in similar business practices within the state."

  Explanation: This means that from the date of this court order, the defendant is legally forbidden to perform those specific business practices anywhere in the state, and this prohibition continues indefinitely into the future.