What is the primary purpose of estoppel in legal proceedings?

The primary purpose of estoppel in legal proceedings is to prevent a party from arguing something contrary to what is established as fact, particularly when that fact has been relied upon by another party. This legal doctrine is rooted in fairness and consistency, ensuring that individuals cannot backtrack on their statements or behaviors if it would unjustly harm someone else who has relied on those representations. For example, if a party has made a representation that another party relied on to their detriment, estoppel ensures that the first party cannot later change their position and deny the truth of that representation.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of estoppel. While modifying contracts and enforcing obligations are important legal concepts, they do not specifically relate to the function of estoppel in preventing contradictory claims. Similarly, managing legal heirs' claims pertains to succession law and does not connect to the principle of estoppel, which pertains more broadly to the equitable prevention of inconsistent actions or claims in litigation. Thus, the focus of estoppel is primarily on maintaining consistency in parties' assertions and preventing unfair disadvantage.