The assignment of a contract occurs when one party to the contract (the assignor) transfers its rights and responsibilities under the contract to another person or entity (the assignee)—usually someone who was not a party to the original contract.
Contracts often include a paragraph or clause near the end of the agreement that addresses whether the parties may assign the contract.
In Rhode Island, the assignment of a contract is generally permissible unless the contract itself prohibits it or if the assignment would significantly change the obligations of the other party. Contracts may include specific clauses that outline the conditions under which an assignment is allowed or prohibited. If a contract is silent on the issue of assignment, it is typically assumed that the contract rights can be assigned. However, the assignment of duties under the contract is not always allowed, especially if it would increase the burden on the non-assigning party. It is important to review the contract terms and consult with an attorney to understand the legal implications of an assignment in Rhode Island.