A contract is usually discharged by performance of the terms of the agreement. However, the parties may agree to a different performance. This is called an accord. When the accord is performed, this is called an accord and satisfaction. The original obligation is discharged.
Where a claim is disputed, and where the creditor fails to reject a check for a lesser amount remitted to the creditor by the debtor on the clear condition that it be accepted in full satisfaction, the acceptance on the part of the creditor amounts to an accord and satisfaction of the creditor's larger claim. No particular language is required to be used by a debtor in making a tender of a check in full settlement of a claim against the debtor, so long as the tender clearly indicates that acceptance by the creditor of the amount offered must be in full satisfaction of the claim.
The following form is a sample of a notice accompanying a check tendered in settlement of a claim that is in dispute.
