Contra proferentem
Certified Financial Planner glossary · Certified Financial Planner
Definition
The rule construing ambiguous contract language against its drafter.
Contra proferentem in plain English
An insurer-drafted disability form supports two readings, and the company wrote every clause. Contra proferentem resolves that ambiguity against the drafter. It is the doctrinal twin of adhesion contracts: when one side controls the paperwork, close calls cut against that side. Crystal-clear wording ends the doctrine; genuine ambiguity invites it. On insurance stems, prove the language is truly ambiguous first, then apply the against-the-drafter preference.
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