Subsection 1: General provisions

A contract creates obligations only between the parties. Third parties may neither request performance of the contract nor be compelled to perform it, subject to the provisions of this section and those of Chapter III of Title IV.

Third parties must respect the legal situation created by the contract. They may rely on it in particular to provide proof of a fact.

When the parties have entered into an apparent contract that conceals a hidden contract, the latter, also known as a counter-letter, is effective between the parties. It is not enforceable against third parties, who may nevertheless rely on it.

Any counter-letter whose purpose is to increase the price stipulated in the agreement for the transfer of a ministerial office is null and void. Also void is any contract whose purpose is to conceal part of the price, where it relates to a sale of immovable property, a transfer of a business or client base, a transfer of a right to a lease, or the benefit of a promise to…