Void vs. Unenforceable Contracts: Legal Meaning Explained

A 'void' contract is considered invalid from the start. This means it was never legally binding due to issues like illegal terms or a lack of legal capacity. Such contracts cannot be enforced. On the other hand, an 'unenforceable' contract is valid when signed but becomes unenforceable due to later events, like a change in law or the failure of a condition. While it exists, it cannot be legally enforced. In essence, a void contract never existed, while an unenforceable contract once existed but lost its enforceability.