Sutartys

Sutartys are legally binding agreements between two or more parties that create rights and obligations. In Lithuania, they are governed primarily by the Civil Code (Lietuvos Respublikos civilinis kodeksas) and related private-law acts, as well as general principles applicable to contracts. The essential elements of a valid sutartis include offer and acceptance, mutual consent, capacity to contract, a lawful subject matter, and a legitimate purpose. While many contracts can be concluded orally, some types require written form or specific formalities.

Contracts can be bilateral or unilateral. Most everyday sutartys are bilateral, imposing reciprocal duties on the parties—for example, a pirkimo–pardavimo sutartis (purchase and sale), a nuomos sutartis (lease), or a paslaugų sutartis (service contract). There are also consumer contracts, which are governed by additional protections for individuals who are not acting in a commercial capacity, and commercial contracts between businesses. Some categories, such as transfer of real property, usually require written documentation and formalities.

Performance of a contract requires each party to fulfill its promised obligations in accordance with the agreed terms. When one party fails to perform or breaches the contract, remedies may include damages, termination of the contract, rescission, or, in some circumstances, specific performance or repair of defects. The law also covers contract interpretation, modification, assignment of rights, and termination mechanisms, as well as limitations and prescription periods for bringing claims.

Sutartys lie at the core of private life and commerce, enabling transactions, property rights, services, and relationships to be created, adjusted, and dissolved within a clear legal framework.