What must occur for a third party to enforce their rights under a contract?

For a third party to enforce their rights under a contract, it is essential that they can demonstrate a manifestation of assent or detrimental reliance on the contract. This is often rooted in the principles of contract law, particularly the doctrine of third-party beneficiaries. If the contract explicitly states that it is made for the benefit of a third party, that individual can assert rights under the contract provided they have relied on the contract in a way that creates an expectation of benefit or have made clear their acceptance of the terms.

In situations where a third party demonstrates assent, it indicates that they have agreed to the benefits provided in the contract, thus making their claim enforceable. Detrimental reliance implies that the third party has taken action based on the belief that they would benefit from the contract, leading to enforceability under the principle of promissory estoppel.

The other options do not necessarily reflect the legal requirements for a third party to enforce contract rights. Notification of intent, automatic enforceability upon signing, or presenting a case to a court do not address the fundamental need for the third party to establish a connection to the contract through assent or reliance. Thus, focusing on those legal foundations provides clarity on how third-party rights can effectively be enforced.