Suspension: Overview, definition, and example
What is suspension?
Suspension refers to the temporary halt of a person’s rights, duties, or benefits under a contract. It allows one party to pause obligations—such as payments, services, or employment—without fully terminating the agreement. Suspensions can be triggered by specific conditions, such as non-payment, breaches of contract, or investigations into misconduct.
For example, if an employee is accused of serious misconduct, their employer may suspend them while an investigation takes place. Similarly, a service provider might suspend services if a client fails to make payments.
Why is suspension important?
Suspension provides a middle ground between continuing an agreement as usual and outright termination. It allows businesses to protect themselves from risks without immediately ending a contract, which could lead to legal disputes or financial losses.
For employers, suspension is useful in handling employee misconduct investigations fairly. For service providers or suppliers, it ensures they aren’t obligated to continue providing goods or services when the other party isn’t fulfilling their responsibilities.
Understanding suspension through an example
Imagine a software company provides a subscription-based service. If a customer fails to make payments for two consecutive months, the company may suspend access to the service until payment is received. The account isn’t canceled, but the customer temporarily loses access.
In another example, a construction contract includes a suspension clause allowing the contractor to halt work if the client fails to make progress payments. This protects the contractor from continuing work without proper compensation.
An example of a suspension clause
Here’s how a suspension clause might appear in a contract:
“In the event of non-payment or breach of contract, the Company reserves the right to suspend services until the issue is resolved. Suspension shall not constitute termination, and obligations may resume once compliance is restored.”
Conclusion
Suspension clauses allow businesses to pause obligations under a contract without terminating it entirely. This provides flexibility and protection when one party fails to meet its responsibilities.
For businesses, having a clear suspension policy ensures they can safeguard their interests while giving the other party a chance to resolve the issue before more serious consequences occur.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.