§ 1473 Obligation Performance Extinguishes Debt

Civil Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

When a debt or duty is completely fulfilled—either by the person who owes it or by someone else who has their permission and the other side agrees—the obligation is considered finished and no longer exists.

Key Takeaways

•Full payment ends the duty.
•Payment can come from you or someone else with your consent.
•The other party must accept the payment for the duty to end.

Example

You owe your neighbor $50 for a borrowed lawnmower. You pay the $50 yourself, or your friend pays it for you and the neighbor accepts the payment.

Because the full amount is paid and the neighbor agrees, the debt is extinguished—you no longer owe that $50.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 1473 Obligation Performance Extinguishes Debt

Full performance of an obligation, by the party whose duty it is to perform it, or by any other person on his behalf, and with his assent, if accepted by the creditor, extinguishes it. (Enacted 1872.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

full performance obligation creditor

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 1473.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References