The term "null and void" can render a contract useless.
The term "null and void" is used in situations such as legal contracts, real estate deals, investment promises and political proposals or bills. Many argue that the words mean exactly the same. However, they each have several meanings, with some overlapping and others similar. The term is stronger than the separate words and has become a popular phrase in legal, political and contractual situations.
Null
The word "null" suggests that something has no effect, is invalid or is of no value. A contract or official statement may be rendered as null if a deadline or statute of limitations has passed, or if it is unsigned or not notarized, if required. These situations would make the document or contract have no validity, value or effect.
Void
"Void" means empty. If a document has no merit or basis of truth, it is void. A document or contract is void, empty or nonexistent if it does not follow the basic rules of that particular type of contract.
Null and Void
A document that is considered null and void has no legal standing. The document has no power in a contractual situation. Null-and-void items are not legal documents or contracts.
