Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Definition: Lapse is when something ends because of time passing, a condition not being met, or a change in situation. For example, if someone doesn't accept an offer in time, the offer might lapse. Or if someone doesn't do what they promised in a contract, their right might lapse. In property law, if someone is supposed to get something in a will but they die before the person who wrote the will, their right might lapse. Some places have a law to prevent this from happening, but it can be stopped if the will says so.
Definition: Lapse refers to the termination of a right, interest, duty, or obligation due to the passage of time, failure of a condition, or a change in circumstance.
Examples:
The examples illustrate how a lapse can occur due to different reasons. In the first example, the lapse occurs because of the passage of time, while in the second example, it occurs due to the failure of a condition. The third example shows how a lapse can occur due to a change in circumstance, which is common in property law.