§ 1475 Joint Obligation Performance Rule

Civil Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says if you owe something to a group of people, you can pay just one of them to clear the debt. But this doesn't apply to shared deposits, like money owned by multiple people together.

Key Takeaways

•If you owe money to a group, paying one person usually clears the debt.
•This doesn't work if the money was owned together, like shared savings.
•The rule is old—it’s been around since 1872.

Example

You borrow $100 from your three friends together.

You can pay back the whole $100 to just one of them, and the debt is done. But if the $100 was their shared savings, you can't do this.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 1475 Joint Obligation Performance Rule

An obligation in favor of several persons is extinguished by performance rendered to any of them, except in the case of a deposit made by owners in common, or in joint ownership, which is regulated by the Title on Deposit. (Enacted 1872.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

obligation deposit made by owners in common, or in joint ownership Title on Deposit

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Civil Code. Section 1475.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References