sutartimis

Sutartimis is the Lithuanian term for contracts or agreements. In Lithuanian civil law, sutartis refers to binding arrangements between two or more parties that create, modify, or terminate civil rights and obligations. The plural form sutartimis is used when referring to multiple contracts or when the word appears in the instrumental case within sentences.

Formation: A valid contract requires mutual agreement (offer and acceptance), capacity to contract, a lawful subject matter, and a lawful purpose. The form of the contract depends on the type; while many contracts may be oral, certain transactions require written or notarized form, such as the sale of real estate, or contracts involving consumers or specific regulatory requirements.

Consent must be freely given and not vitiated by errors, fraud, or coercion; under Lithuanian law, consideration is not a separate requirement as in some common-law systems.

Performance and remedies: Parties must perform their obligations in good faith. Breach may lead to damages, termination, or other remedies provided by the Civil Code or specific statutes. Consumers benefit from additional protections in standard contracts and restrictions on unfair terms.

Types and application: Contracts cover sales and purchases, leases, loans, service agreements, construction or works contracts, employment, and insurance, among others. Many business activities rely on standardized contract terms and templates, which are interpreted under general contract law and, where appropriate, consumer protection rules.

Legal framework: Contract law in Lithuania is primarily governed by the Civil Code, supplemented by sectoral laws and European Union directives. Interpretation focuses on the true intention of the parties, the contractual obligations, and the reasonable expectations arising from the contract.