What defines an obligation that is only enforceable by the obligee or against the obligor?

An obligation that is only enforceable by the obligee or against the obligor is known as a strictly personal obligation. This type of obligation is characterized by the inherent personal nature of the rights and duties involved, meaning that it cannot be transferred or assigned to another party. For instance, if a debtor owes a debt that is strictly personal, only the creditor has the right to enforce that obligation, and it cannot be delegated to another entity or individual.

Strictly personal obligations often arise from contracts that involve personal services or specialized agreements. As a result, the performance of these obligations is uniquely tied to the specific individuals involved, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships in the execution of the duty. This is different from obligations that can be assigned or transferred, as seen in negotiable obligations, which allow for a higher degree of flexibility in the rights of the parties involved.

Understanding the nature of strictly personal obligations helps clarify their enforcement limitations and the non-transferable features that distinguish them from other types of obligations.