Informal Settings
The presumption of an intention to create legal relations is context-dependent. In social and domestic settings, such as agreements between family members or friends, the courts generally presume no legal intent, viewing these arrangements as moral or voluntary commitments. However, if a party has acted to their detriment based on the agreement, the courts may infer legal intent in specific circumstances, such as agreements to vary existing legal relationships or property-related promises. Agreements during marriage or between parents and children are typically seen as non-contractual unless tied to existing legal obligations.