What constitutes good consideration for a promise to forbear a suit?

Good consideration for a promise to forbear a suit involves a claim that the promisor honestly believes to be valid. This is rooted in the principle that forbearance, or refraining from exercising a legal right, can serve as valid consideration as long as the person forgoing that right genuinely believes the claim they are giving up has merit.

In this context, the promisor’s honest belief in the validity of their claim implies a legitimate concern or stake in the matter, making their decision to forbear meaningful. The legal system recognizes that if one party is willing to forgo their rights based on a genuine belief that they could prevail in a suit, there is a form of value being exchanged—thus fulfilling the consideration requirement.

Other options do not meet the criteria for good consideration. A claim that the promisor does not believe to be valid lacks any real value since it indicates that the promisor is not risking anything of substance. A promise made in exchange for a monetary benefit might be relevant but does not directly address the specific scenario of forbearance, which focuses on the relinquishment of a legal right rather than a monetary transaction. Lastly, a written contract outlining the forbearance, while important for establishing terms, does not in itself provide the