voidance

Voidance is the act or state of rendering something void, null, or legally ineffective. The term derives from void, meaning empty or invalid, with the suffix -ance indicating a process or result. In general usage, voidance denotes the removal of validity or enforceability of an object, instrument, or obligation.

In legal contexts, voidance most often refers to the annulment or avoidance of a contract, deed, or other legal instrument. A voided contract is typically treated as if it never existed (void ab initio) or as terminated. Common causes include illegality, incapacity, fraud, misrepresentation, mistake, or duress. The effect is usually the extinguishing of mutual obligations and, where appropriate, restitution to the parties. Some systems distinguish avoidance (the act) from rescission (the remedy), but both result in the withdrawal of enforceability.

Voidance also appears in the treatment of wills, trusts, and property transfers. A will or deed may be avoided or declared invalid if it was improperly executed, obtained through undue influence, or otherwise defective. In real estate, a defective title or instrument can be voided, subject to applicable procedures and appeals.

Other domains use the term for administrative or financial documents. An insurance policy can be voided for material misrepresentation or non-disclosure; a check or form can be marked void to prevent use. In everyday language, voidance thus conveys the cancellation, rejection, or nullification of an instrument or obligation.

Etymology and related terms: voidance shares roots with nullification, invalidation, rescission, and annulling.