Verbal Agreements in Law: What You Need to Know

Verbal agreements are agreements that are made orally between two or more parties. They are common in everyday life and can range from simple agreements such as agreeing to meet at a particular place and time to more complex agreements like those made in business transactions. While verbal agreements are commonly used, they can be difficult to enforce in a court of law.

In most cases, verbal agreements can be just as binding as written agreements. However, the difficulty comes when one party denies the terms of the agreement or there is a dispute over its interpretation. In such cases, parties may have to rely on evidence such as emails, text messages, or witness statements to prove the existence of the agreement.

One important thing to note about verbal agreements is that they are subject to the Statute of Frauds. This is a law that requires certain agreements to be in writing to be enforceable. Examples of agreements that must be in writing include contracts for the sale of goods over a certain amount, agreements for the sale of real estate, and agreements that cannot be performed within one year.

It is also important to note that verbal agreements can be difficult to enforce if they are not clear and specific. When making a verbal agreement, it is important to be clear about the terms and to ensure that both parties understand what is being agreed upon. If the terms of the agreement are vague or unclear, it may be difficult to enforce in a court of law.

To protect yourself when entering into a verbal agreement, it is always a good idea to document the agreement in some way, such as by sending an email summarizing the terms. This can help to avoid disputes later on.

In conclusion, verbal agreements can be just as binding as written agreements, but they can be difficult to enforce in a court of law. It is important to be clear about the terms of the agreement, document the agreement in some way, and be aware of the Statute of Frauds when entering into a verbal agreement.