What is the main obligation of the first party in a unilateral contract?

In a unilateral contract, the main obligation of the first party is to fulfill their promise if the second party complies with the terms set forth in the contract. This type of contract involves one party making a promise in exchange for a specific action from the other party. For example, a common instance is when someone offers a reward for the return of lost property; the offeror (first party) is obligated to pay the reward once the second party successfully locates and returns the property.

The essence of a unilateral contract lies in the expectation that the first party will only be required to act when the second party has completed the specific action. This creates a clear expectation that the first party's duty is contingent upon the second party's compliance. As a result, the first party has a clear obligation based solely on the completion of the requested action, differentiating unilateral contracts from bilateral contracts where mutual promises are exchanged.

The other options do not accurately reflect the specific obligation of the first party in a unilateral contract. Securing a binding agreement, providing professional advice, and maintaining communication are relevant in various contractual contexts but do not capture the fundamental duty of the first party in a unilateral scenario.