Extension Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Extension, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Extension?

n. Allotting extra time to make a payment, file a legal document after the due date, or to continue a lease after the original term’s expiration.

History and Meaning of Extension

Extension is a legal term that refers to the act of granting additional time for fulfilling a legal obligation. This can include granting additional time to pay a debt, file a legal document, or continue a lease beyond its original expiration date. The purpose of granting an extension is to provide more time for the person or entity to fulfill their obligation without facing any penalties or legal repercussions.

The concept of extension has been present in various legal systems throughout history. In the United States, the idea of granting extensions has been part of the legal system since the country's inception. The Constitution provides for the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus during times of rebellion, which is essentially an extension of the time limit for holding a person in detention without trial.

Examples of Extension

  1. A student is granted an extension for turning in their paper, allowing them an additional week to complete the assignment without facing a late penalty.
  2. A tenant who is moving out of their apartment is granted an extension on their lease so they can stay in their apartment for an additional month until they can find a new place to live.
  3. A taxpayer is granted an extension on their tax return, giving them an additional six months to file their return without facing any penalties.

Legal Terms Similar to Extension

  1. Continuance: A legal term that refers to the postponement of a court proceeding to a later date.
  2. Stay: A legal term that temporarily halts the progress of a legal proceeding, often granting the party requesting the stay more time to prepare their case.
  3. Grace period: A term used in contracts and agreements to refer to a period of time after a deadline has passed during which no penalties or legal action will be taken against the party who missed the deadline.