Abänderung

Abänderung is a German legal term that translates to modification or amendment. It refers to the act of changing or altering an existing legal document, agreement, or decision. This can apply to a wide range of legal contexts, including contracts, court rulings, wills, and statutes. The purpose of an Abänderung is typically to adapt the original document or decision to new circumstances, correct errors, or reflect a change in the intentions of the parties involved.

In contract law, an Abänderung might involve altering the terms and conditions of a previously agreed-upon contract. This requires the consent of all parties to the original agreement, and the modified terms become legally binding. Similarly, court decisions can be subject to Abänderung through appeals or further legal proceedings, where a higher court may modify or overturn the original ruling. In the context of wills, an Abänderung, often referred to as a codicil, allows the testator to make changes to their original will without having to create an entirely new document. Legislative Abänderungen occur when laws are amended or repealed, reflecting societal changes or evolving legal principles. The process and legal requirements for an Abänderung vary significantly depending on the specific type of legal instrument being modified.