Jogügylet

Jogügylet is a civil-law term used in Hungary to describe any act by which a person or persons creates, modifies, or terminates rights and obligations under the law. It can be unilateral, where a single declaration produces legal effects, or multilateral, where several parties’ agreements yield such effects. The concept covers more than contracts alone; it includes any legally binding declaration that has effect under civil law.

Typical examples include bilateral contracts such as adásvételi szerződés (sales contract), bérleti szerződés (lease), kölcsönszerződés (loan), and ajándék szerződés (gift). It also encompasses dispositions of rights such as a mortgage or other encumbrances that transfer or secure obligations, and testamentary acts such as végrendelet (will) and a lemondás az öröklésről (renunciation of inheritance). Unilateral jogügylet examples include végrendelet, elismerés (recognition of debt), or other declarations that have legal consequences without a second party’s agreement. The central idea is that the act creates, modifies, or terminates rights and obligations recognized by law.

Validity and form: A jogügylet typically requires voluntary and informed consent and the legal capacity of the parties. Some acts must meet formal requirements set by law (for example, certain real estate dispositions or testamentary dispositions) to be effective or enforceable. If essential elements are lacking, the act may be void or voidable. When valid, the jogügylet binds the parties and shapes their legal rights and obligations, and may also affect third parties through publicity or registration where relevant.