Contract Glossary
Quantum Meruit
Definition
A Latin term meaning 'as much as is deserved.' It's a legal claim that lets you recover the reasonable value of services you provided, even without a formal contract. Courts use it to prevent someone from receiving your work for free.
In Practice
If you do $15,000 worth of consulting work for a company that never signed an engagement letter, quantum meruit is your backup. You can't claim breach of contract (there isn't one), but you can argue that the company received your services, knew they weren't free, and should pay what they're worth.
Common in these contract types
Related terms
Frequently asked questions about quantum meruit
Breach of contract requires a contract. Quantum meruit doesn't — it fills the gap when there's no formal agreement. You're not suing on contract terms; you're asking the court to order fair payment for work that was accepted and benefited the other party.
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Create your contractThis content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For contracts with significant financial or legal implications, review by a qualified attorney is recommended.