is a verbal contract as binding as a written contract in UK Law?

Answer 1

In a word Yes!

Answer 2

In law a contract is defined as "a legally binding agreement." In order to make a contract there has to be an OFFER and an ACCEPTANCE. By law, "an acceptance may take any form. It can be given orally or in writing but silence cannot normally amount to an acceptance."

So the answer to your question is YES. A verbal contract IS as binding as a written contract.

Answer 3

Theoretically yes: in practice, no. For purposes of the law of contract, there must be what is known as consensus ad idem, that is, the parties must show that on each side their understanding and their intentions correspond. This is more difficult with an oral contract, as I could always come back and say that I thought you meant something different and that had I known I would never have agreed to do whatever it was. In other words, I had been misled by you. A written contract will always make it plain that consideration is passing from one party to another, that is, something given in exchange for, in token of, what is being promised. With an oral contract, sometimes this can be glossed over. An oral contract is, generally speaking, difficult to be enforced. The rule is: get it down on paper.

Answer 4

No
A verbal contract has no meaning in Law forget who said it, but the phraase a verbal contract isnt worth the paper its written on springs to mind. mind you some written contracts are also not worth the paper they are written on wither.. but thats for other reasons

However if the terms are generally accepted (ie they are commonly applied to others in a similar position) then they may be assumed to have legitimacy. The pronblem is always going to be how to prove it.

Answer 5

YES
Contracts may be divided into two broad classes:
1. Contracts by deed
A deed is a formal legal document signed, witnessed and delivered to effect a conveyance or transfer of property or to create a legal obligation or contract.
2. Simple contracts
Contracts which are not deeds are known as simple contracts. They are informal contracts and may be made in any way - in writing, orally or they may be implied from conduct.

See http://www.lawteacher.net/Contract/Introduction.html for more info on this

Answer 6

A verbal contract isn't worth the paper its written on.

Answer 7

theoretically, yes. However, it's a lot harder to prove the existance of a verbal contract as there's no lasting evidence like a physical contract on paper,

Answer 8

Yes verbal contract IS as binding as a written contract, but it cannot be enforced because by definition there is no written evidence of it
Slander is often unenforcable, where libel would succeeed.

Answer 9

Not worth the paper it's written on

Answer 10

It would be very difficult to prove,it's always better to have a written one.