What is it?
Consecutive is a clause type that governs the ordering of performance obligations within a contract.
consecutive
Contract LawLegal glossary term
Quick answer
Consecutive usually means obligations must occur in a set order. In contracts, it matters because a break can cause breach. Before signing, check the step‑by‑step performance schedule.
Definitions
What is consecutive?
Legal Definition
A clause that requires two or more obligations, events, or conditions to follow one another without interruption. It creates a duty to perform each step in the prescribed order, or the contract may be breached. Courts watch for any break that defeats the intended sequence.
Plain-English Translation
Imagine a hallway pass that only works if you walk straight from the library to the gym without stopping; if you pause, the pass becomes invalid.
Contract relevance
Why consecutive matters in contracts
Missing the required sequence can trigger a breach, leaving the obligor liable for damages.
Document context
Where consecutive appears in documents
| Document type | Section | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Master Services Agreement | Section 4.2 | Defines order of deliverables and payments |
| UCC Security Agreement | Article 9, §9-203 | Sets priority of filing and perfection steps |
| Construction Contract | Schedule of Milestones | Links each payment to prior completion |
Contract language
Common contract wording
| Contract wording | Plain-English meaning | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| "Payment shall be made consecutively after each delivery" | Pay after each delivery is received | Verify delivery verification process |
| "The parties shall act consecutively in accordance with the timeline" | Follow the timeline step‑by‑step | Ensure timeline is realistic |
| "Obligations are consecutive and conditional upon prior performance" | Each duty depends on the previous one | Check for any gaps |
Red flags
Red flags to watch for
Visual model
Understand consecutive fast
An explainer image has not been generated for this term yet.
01
Landlord requires tenant to submit a repair request before the landlord can schedule maintenance, and the landlord must complete repairs within five days.
02
Borrower must obtain lender approval before drawing additional loan funds, and the lender must fund the draw within three business days.
03
Franchisor must deliver the operating manual before the franchisee can open the store, and the franchisee must pay the initial fee after receipt.
Document context
How consecutive shows up in legal documents
Why does it matter?
Missing the required sequence can trigger a breach, leaving the obligor liable for damages.
When does it matter?
When the contract specifies that payment is due only after delivery is completed, the payment deadline activates.
Where is it usually seen?
Standard in UCC § 2-207 amendment clauses and in many construction contracts' schedule provisions.
Who is affected?
The seller must deliver on time, and the buyer must pay only after that delivery; each risks loss if the order is broken.
How does it work?
First, the contract lists the required steps in order. Then, each party must satisfy its obligation before moving to the next step{1}. If a step is omitted, the non‑breaching party can claim breach within the notice period.
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Wikipedia
Consecutive
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Where consecutive connects to real contract work
This layer links the term to nearby glossary entries, document use cases, and contract-risk guides so readers can move from definition to context without dead ends.
Glossary
Use Cases
Eviction Notice
Real Estate Contracts: An invalid eviction notice is legally void — but only if you know how to challenge it.
Purchase Order (PO)
Finance & Sales: A purchase order is a contract. Its terms govern your delivery, payment, and liability.
Employment Contract
HR & Recruitment: Your employment contract is longer than your offer letter — and far more binding.
Contract Risks
Late payment penalties contract
Plain-English risk guide for late payment penalties contract.
Financial obligations clause risk
Plain-English risk guide for financial obligations clause risk.
Non refundable work completed risk
Plain-English risk guide for non refundable work completed risk.
Source & disclosure
This page is an AI-assisted plain-English explanation based on LexPredict Legal Dictionary context and contract-review patterns. It is not legal advice. Meaning may vary by jurisdiction, industry, and exact clause wording.
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