What happens if a contract lacks "mutual assent"?

When a contract lacks "mutual assent," it means that there is no genuine agreement between the parties involved. Mutual assent typically involves an offer by one party and an acceptance by the other, indicating a common understanding of the contract's terms. Without this essential element, the agreement cannot be considered a contract.

If mutual assent is absent, the law often considers the contract void, meaning it has no legal effect and cannot be enforced. This lack of agreement can arise from various issues such as misunderstandings, misrepresentations, or lack of capacity among the parties. Consequently, since there is no valid consensus, the contract does not meet the necessary requirements to be upheld in a court of law.

In contrast, the other options suggest scenarios where the contract is still considered valid or has some form of enforceability, which would not accurately reflect the legal implications of a lack of mutual assent. Thus, the most appropriate conclusion is that without mutual assent, the contract is viewed as void, providing no rights or obligations to the parties involved.