Is There Really Such Thing as a Verbal Contract?

Question

I had sattilite service and they say i can't cancel it yet because i have a verbal contract with them for one year. Is that just bullsiht?

Answer 1

Yes, if you have a Witnes

Answer 2

There is such a thing, although I doubt that what the satellite company is talking about is a true verbal contract. There should be some document that you signed that contains the terms, probably when it was installed.

Verbal contracts can be tough to prove, but it can be done. Did they tell you when you signed up it was for a year? If they didn't, it's not valid unless there is something in writing. Do your research and if the facts don't match up, cancel.

Answer 3

Absolutely. In fact, most contracts are just as binding even if they are "only" verbal as opposed to written.

There are a few exceptions, where the contract must be written -- sales of land, substitution of debt, certain sales of goods, etc. But generally, a verbal contract is fully binding.

One of the exceptions is a contract that lasts for one year or longer, or in some jurisdictions longer than one year (at least a year and a day).

Answer 4

Yes, a verbal contract can be enforced, but they have to prove it exists. Typically, that means a third party must have witnessed the contract.

In any case, I'm surprised you'd get satellite service without a written contract - are you sure you didn't sign anything?

Answer 5

A verbal contract is just as binding as a written contract. It is much tougher to prove.

To be valid, there must be a "meeting of the minds" meaning both parties must know exactly what they are agreeing to.

In other words, if you didn't know you were committed for a year, then no contract exists...they are BSing you.

Answer 6

Verbal contracts are valid. There are 6 types of contracts that need to be in writing.

1) contracts in contemplation of marriage.
2) contracts that can not be completed with in one year
3) sale of land
4) promises to pay the executory expenses of another
5) good for $500 or more
6) shuritiships

Answer 7

Yes, verbal contracts are legally binding. The problem with them is proving whether or not they ever existed. Witnesses are needed, or recorded conversations. Otherwise both people just go to court and call each other liars.

Answer 8

In general, oral contracts are just as valid as written ones, but some jurisdictions either require a contract to be in writing in certain circumstances (for example where real property is being conveyed), or that a contract be evidenced in writing (though it may be oral). An example of the latter being the requirement that contract of guarantee be evidenced in writing that is found in the Statute of Frauds. Similarly, the limitation period prescribed for an action may be shorter for an oral contract than it is for a written one."

With a satillite service, however, I'm certain that you signed a written service contract. You are only subject to the terms of that. Written contract trumps oral.

Answer 9

There is such a thing as a verbal contract. But there has to be proof that one was ever made. If it is on tape in anyway then they have you.

Answer 10

Yep, freelance magazine writers often (always for me) get the work by a verbal contract. I sued successfully through the Small Claims Court on one occasion.

Answer 11

A verbal contract requires a witness. ~