Delegation of Duties

In one sentence

Assigning your contractual responsibilities to another person.

Plain English

When you have a duty to perform under a contract, you can sometimes pass that duty to someone else—that's delegation. However, not all duties can be delegated. If the contract requires your personal skill or judgment, or if the other party specifically relied on you to perform, delegation isn't allowed. The original party remains responsible if the delegated person fails to perform properly.

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Example

A plumber contracts to fix your pipes. If the plumber delegates the job to an apprentice without your permission, and the apprentice does poor work, the original plumber is still liable to you. However, if the contract just requires "any licensed plumber" to do the work, delegation might be acceptable.

Used in a sentence

“The contractor attempted delegation of duties to a subcontractor, but the homeowner objected because the original contract required the contractor's personal expertise.”

Related terms

Obligation

A legal duty that a party must perform under a contract or law.

Executed Contract

A contract where both parties have fully performed all their obligations.

Mutual Consent

Both parties freely agree to the same terms of a contract without pressure or misunderstanding.

Good Faith

An obligation to act honestly and fairly in performing or enforcing a contract.

Course of Performance

How the parties have actually carried out the contract in practice, which can clarify ambiguous terms.

Entire Agreement Clause

A contract provision stating that the written agreement is the complete and final deal between parties.

Offer

A proposal to enter into a binding agreement on specific terms.

Acceptance

Agreeing to the exact terms of an offer, creating a binding contract.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.