What is generally required for mutual assent to be considered valid?

Mutual assent, also known as "meeting of the minds," is fundamental to the formation of a valid contract. For mutual assent to be considered valid, there must be a clear agreement between parties regarding the terms of the contract, demonstrated through an offer and acceptance. This means that one party must make a definitive offer, and the other party must accept that offer in a manner that confirms their agreement to the specific terms laid out.

The clarity and mutual understanding of the agreement are critical; both parties must be on the same page regarding what they are agreeing to. This shared understanding does not require written documentation, prior negotiations, or witnesses to be considered valid; rather, it hinges on the mutual acceptance of the terms at hand. The interaction must reflect that both parties have agreed to the same terms, which solidifies their intention to enter into a binding agreement.