Four corners (law)

Four corners (law) is the meaning of a written contract, will, or deed as represented solely by its textual content. This term may also be applicable to other legal instruments.

1. From the four corners of the document: as derived from the text of the agreement itself, without relying upon other resources or witnesses.
   • "Absent ambiguity, the parties’ intentions must be discerned from the four corners of the document, and extrinsic evidence may not be considered." KY Supreme Court 2007-CA-000498
   • "Construction of a deed is a matter of law, and the intention of the parties is to be gathered from the four corners of the instrument." KY Supreme Court 1995-CA-001813
2. Looking at the four corners of the will: examining and analyzing the will.
   • "It is evident to us, from looking at the four corners of the will, ..." KY Supreme Court 1996-CA-000833