Accord and satisfaction
Accord and satisfaction: An agreement to settle a disputed claim for a different performance, usually a smaller payment, and the carrying out of that agreement. Under UCC § 3-311, a check can settle a claim only if it was tendered in good faith, the claim was unliquidated or subject to a bona fide dispute, the check or a written communication clearly stated it was in full satisfaction, and the claimant obtained payment of the check.
What accord and satisfaction means
In practice, you will see accord and satisfaction in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.
Where accord and satisfaction comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
Read the source: Tender.
How to research the term
Start with the primary source. For example, if accord and satisfaction appears in a federal rule, read the rule itself and its official notes. After that, check your court’s local rules and any standing orders from the judge. In addition, search recent decisions from your own state or federal district. They show how courts read accord and satisfaction in practice. Because state rules often differ, our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules. Above all, make sure the version you read is still in force.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Ab initio: latin for "from the beginning." Something void ab initio is treated as having had no legal effect from its start, not just from the time it is declared void.
- Absurdity doctrine: the canon that courts avoid reading a statute in a way that produces absurd results.
- Abuse of discretion: a standard of review under which an appellate court reverses a trial court's discretionary decision only if it was clearly unreasonable, rested on a legal error, or relied on clearly wrong findings. Many rulings on evidence, discovery and case management are reviewed for abuse of discretion.
- Accept: to agree to an offer or to take something as given.
Why precise terms matter
Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.