In context of liabilities, those liabilities that do not yet appear on the balance sheet (ie. guarantees, supports, lawsuit settlements). For support or recourse, the trigger may occur at any time in the future, and the loss or expenditure is highly uncertain. Once timing and the quantification of expenditure becomes clearer, provisions should be raised in respect of the contingent liability. When the amount or the timing of the contingent item becomes certain, then it ceases to be a contingent item and should be entered into the balance sheet.