Section 8.13 Time of Essence

• Library: Construction Law 2016 Supp

B. (§8.13) Time of Essence

The general rule of contracts is that time is not of the essence unless the contract so provides or it can be implied because of the circumstances. Walker ex rel. Foristel v. Am. Auto. Ins. Co., 70 S.W.2d 82 (Mo. App. E.D. 1934); Cochran v. Grebe, 578 S.W.2d 351 (Mo. App. W.D. 1979). If time is not of the essence, mere delay in performance is not considered a material breach of the contract. Mills v. Keasler, 395 S.W.2d 111 (Mo. 1965). Howard v. Nicholson, 556 S.W.2d 477 (Mo...