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HomeCivil CodeDiv. 3Pt. 1Ch. 1§ 1474 Joint Obligation Performance Rule

§ 1474 Joint Obligation Performance Rule

Civil Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 1474 Joint Obligation Performance Rule

If one of several people who share a legal duty pays the full amount, everyone's responsibility ends.

Key Takeaways

  • •One person can end the shared liability by fully fulfilling the obligation.
  • •It doesn't matter which of the joint debtors pays, as long as the duty is satisfied.
  • •After payment, none of the others owe anything more.

Example

Three siblings inherit a shared debt to a relative. One sibling pays the entire debt to settle it.

Because one sibling fully performed the obligation, all three siblings are no longer liable for that debt.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1474 Joint Obligation Performance Rule

Performance of an obligation, by one of several persons who are jointly liable under it, extinguishes the liability of all. (Enacted 1872.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

jointly liableobligationextinguishes the liability

Related Statutes

  • § 1473 Obligation Performance Extinguishes Debt
  • § 1475 Joint Obligation Performance Rule
  • § 1476 Creditor Directed Performance Extinguishment
  • § 1478 Payment Application Rules
  • § 1682 Contract Extinguishment Methods

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 1474.
View Official Source