The rights of creditors can neither be taken away nor diminished by agreements among the debtors.

Explanation

Debtors cannot conspire to defeat their creditors' claims — private arrangements among those who owe do not bind those who are owed.

Where this applies

• The borrowers made a side deal among themselves to reduce what they owe me — does that affect my claim?
• Multiple debtors agreed to split the debt differently between themselves without asking the creditor.

See also

• 6.2.5 There is no doubt that the rights of others cannot be impaired by private agreements.
• 6.2.6 Public right cannot be diminished by private agreements.