Estoppel is a legal principle that prevents a person or entity from asserting a legal right or taking a legal position that contradicts or is inconsistent with its earlier position, behavior, or agreement. The person or entity is said to be “estopped” from changing its position, behavior, or agreement because another person or entity has relied on its earlier position, behavior, or agreement (detrimental reliance).
In Texas, estoppel is a legal doctrine that can prevent a party from asserting a claim or a defense that is contrary to what they previously represented or agreed to if another party has relied on that representation to their detriment. This principle is designed to promote fairness and honesty in dealings by holding parties accountable for their actions and statements. Estoppel can arise in various contexts, such as contract disputes, property rights, and employment relations. Texas courts may apply different types of estoppel, including promissory estoppel, equitable estoppel, and estoppel by deed, depending on the circumstances of the case. To successfully claim estoppel in Texas, the party asserting it must typically show that they reasonably relied on the other party's representation and suffered a detriment as a result of that reliance.
