Legal Definitions - nonterm

The term nonterm refers to a condition, agreement, or estate that does not have a fixed or specified end date or duration. It signifies something that is indefinite, ongoing, or continues without a predetermined limit, often until an event occurs or a party takes action to terminate it.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Employment Contract

  A graphic designer is hired by a marketing agency under an employment agreement that specifies their role, salary, and benefits, but does not include a specific end date for their employment. The contract states that employment is "at-will," meaning it can be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause, subject to legal requirements.

  Illustration: This employment arrangement is a nonterm agreement because it lacks a predetermined expiration date. The employment relationship continues indefinitely until either the designer resigns or the agency decides to terminate their employment, rather than concluding on a specific calendar date.

• Example 2: Lease Agreement

  A family rents a house under a residential lease agreement that, after an initial twelve-month period, automatically converts into a month-to-month tenancy. This means the lease continues to renew each month without the need for a new contract, until either the landlord or the tenant provides proper notice to terminate.

  Illustration: Once the initial twelve months conclude, the lease becomes a nonterm arrangement. While it can be terminated by either party with appropriate notice (e.g., 30 days), there is no fixed end date for the entire tenancy, allowing it to continue indefinitely until such notice is given.

• Example 3: Easement Grant

  A landowner grants a utility company an easement to run power lines across a corner of their property. The legal document creating this easement specifies the exact location for the lines but does not include an expiration date, indicating the utility company's right to maintain the lines indefinitely.

  Illustration: This easement is a nonterm interest in land because it is granted without a predetermined end date. The utility company's right to use that portion of the property for power lines continues indefinitely, binding future owners of the land, rather than expiring after a set number of years.