A condition precedent must be fulfilled before the effect can follow.

Explanation

No obligation arises under a conditional agreement until the condition is satisfied — government cannot demand performance while its own conditions remain unfulfilled.

Where this applies

• The government says I owe taxes but they haven't finished the assessment yet.
• My insurance company won't pay my claim even though I met all the policy conditions.

See also

• 6.3.2 A contract is, as it were, act for act — a reciprocal exchange.