Imagine you're playing a game and something unexpected happens, so you pause the game. That's what suspension is like in a contract. It's when the activities under a contract are temporarily stopped, usually because something has gone wrong or unexpected circ*mstances have arisen.
A suspension can be decided by either or both parties involved in the contract, or sometimes by a third party, like a court. The reason for the suspension can vary, it could be due to a breach of contract, a dispute between parties, unexpected events or even government intervention.
The contract is not cancelled or ended, but simply put on hold until the issue causing the suspension is resolved. Once resolved, the contract activities can then resume or the contract can be terminated, depending on the situation.
It's important to note that during a suspension, the obligations of the parties may change, but the contract still exists. This is why it's important for contracts to have clear terms about what happens in the event of a suspension, including how and when the suspension can occur, what the rights and obligations of the parties are during the suspension, and how to lift the suspension.
When writing contracts, understanding suspension is essential, as it can impact the delivery of goods or services, financial payments, and relationships with clients or suppliers.