Check which events a force majeure clause covers and what it excuses
A force majeure clause excuses a party from performing, or delays its performance, when events beyond its control get in the way. Whether it helps depends on the exact list of events, the catch-all wording, notice duties and what happens if the event drags on. Ask Search+ "Which events count as force majeure here, and what must we do to rely on it?" and the answer cites the clause and its conditions so you can read them in full.
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Last updated October 2026
How to read a force majeure clause with Search+
- Upload the contract and any amendments
Force majeure wording is sometimes revised by amendment, for example to add or remove epidemics or supply chain disruption. Keep the amendments in the same workspace so the answer reflects the current list.
- Ask about the events, then about the conditions
First ask which events are listed and whether there is a catch-all such as "any other cause beyond reasonable control". Then ask, in a separate question, what a party must do to rely on the clause: notice, mitigation, evidence.
- Follow the consequences and the exceptions
Open the citations and ask what happens next: whether obligations are suspended, whether payment obligations are excluded, and whether either party can terminate after a prolonged event.
Questions to ask about force majeure
Does this contract list pandemics, government orders or cyberattacks as force majeure events?
Is there general wording that covers events not specifically listed?
How quickly must a party notify the other side after a force majeure event starts, and what must the notice contain?
Does force majeure excuse late payment, or only other obligations?
If a force majeure event continues for a long time, can either party terminate, and after how long?
Across the supply agreements in this workspace, which ones allow termination after an extended force majeure event?
What to look for in a force majeure clause
Clauses commonly list natural disasters, war, terrorism, strikes, government action and failures of utilities. Whether newer risks such as epidemics or cyberattacks are covered depends on the wording, so check rather than assume.
General words like "beyond reasonable control" may widen the clause, while exclusions, often for lack of funds or market changes, narrow it. How broadly catch-all words are read can vary, which makes the exact text important.
A party relying on the clause often has to give prompt notice, show that the event caused the failure and take reasonable steps to reduce its impact. Missing a condition can cost the protection.
Relief is usually suspension or delay of performance, not cancellation of the contract. Some contracts exclude payment obligations from relief altogether.
Many clauses let either party end the contract if the event lasts beyond a stated period. Check how that period is counted and whether notice is needed to use the right.
Search+ cites the passage behind each answer, and you can trace any statement back to the clause that supports it before you rely on it.
Force majeure wording and what to ask next
| Wording you may see | What it usually signals | A follow-up question |
|---|---|---|
| "acts of God" | Natural events outside human control | Which natural events does the contract name? |
| "beyond its reasonable control" | A general catch-all test | Are any events expressly excluded from the catch-all? |
| "epidemic" or "pandemic" | Disease outbreaks expressly covered | Do government orders made in response also count? |
| "prompt written notice" | A notice condition for relief | What must the notice include, and to whom is it sent? |
| "use reasonable efforts to mitigate" | A duty to limit the impact | What steps does the contract require to mitigate? |
| "excluding payment obligations" | Money owed is still due | Are any payment deadlines extended during the event? |
| "continues for a period of" | A trigger for termination | After how long can either party terminate? |
What is a force majeure clause?
A force majeure clause is a contract term that relieves a party from liability for failing or delaying performance when that failure is caused by specified events outside its reasonable control, usually on conditions such as giving notice and trying to limit the impact.
Force majeure clause questions
Can Search+ tell me if a specific event is covered?
Does it show what notice we need to give?
Can force majeure excuse payment?
Can I review force majeure terms across many supplier contracts?
Is the answer reliable enough to act on?
Is Search+ advising me on whether I can claim force majeure?
Know what excuses performance before it happens
Start a workspace, upload the contract, and ask which events it covers and what they require.
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