Mailbox Rule

Acceptance is effective upon dispatch unless otherwise specified.

Representative cases

• Kendel v. Pontious 261 So. 2d 167 · Supreme Court of Florida
• Dalton Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Cadillac, Inc. v. Universal Underwriters Insurance 512 N.W.2d 633 · Nebraska Supreme Court
• Panhandle Rehabilitation Center, Inc. v. Larson 288 N.W.2d 743 · Nebraska Supreme Court

Related Formation rules

• Contract DefinedA contract is a legally enforceable promise formed by mutual assent and consideration.
• Offer RequirementsAn offer is a manifestation of intent to be bound with definite terms communicated to an identifiable offeree.
• Termination of OfferOffers terminate by revocation, rejection, lapse, death, or destruction of subject matter.
• Option ContractsAn option is irrevocable when supported by consideration for a promise to keep the offer open.
• Firm Offers (UCC)A merchant’s signed writing assuring it will remain open is irrevocable for the period stated, up to 3 months.
• Acceptance: Mirror RuleUnder common law, acceptance must mirror the offer; additional or different terms are counteroffers.
• Acceptance by PerformanceUnilateral contracts are accepted only by complete performance.
• Acceptance by PromiseBilateral contracts are accepted by a return promise or beginning performance.

Part of Contracts on Core Legal Rules — foundational MBE-tested principles with primary-source citations.