What happens if a party finds a missing term after entering into a written contract?

When a party discovers a missing term after entering into a written contract, they are generally bound by the terms of the written contract as it stands. This principle stems from the concept of the "freedom of contract," which holds that parties have the liberty to agree on the terms without interference, as long as the contract is legally enforceable.

Once the parties have signed a written agreement, it becomes the authoritative document that reflects their mutual consent to the terms included at the time. Even if a term is missing or overlooked, the contract remains valid and binding unless there is evidence of fraud, mutual mistake, or unconscionability that would warrant a different outcome. A missing term does not render the contract void; instead, it indicates that the parties need to be aware of what they agreed upon and to manage any gaps through negotiation or revision if both parties consent.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the legal implications of discovering a missing term in a contract. The contract does not become void (not automatically terminating the agreement), nor can one party amend it unilaterally without the consent of the other party, as this would violate contract principles regarding mutual assent. The addition of terms is not permitted unless there is a mutual agreement to