Is a verbal agreement not worth the paper it's written on..?

Question

And is a written agreement just as verbal as an oral one?

Answer 1

My co-contributors have raised a valid point, but missed something.

The lack of a writing may be used as a DEFENSE to contract formation for the certain types of transactions mentioned, such as real estate, contracts to pay the debts of others, and so . This doesn't **bar** such oral contracts being made orally but should be used to make the point that if one intends to hold another party to such a contract, then a writing should be made to prevent such argument.

Look up Statute of Frauds...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statute_of_frauds

Answer 2

A verbal agreement stands in law as good as a written one.....unfortunately it is more difficult to prove

An example of a verbal agreement would be where no employment contract has ever been given yet the employee goes to work everyday and gets paid at the end of the week.....this is a verbal agreement even though it is not written or maybe not even spoken of...its a contract because it is expected that the employee will turn up everyday and that the employer will pay him at the end of the week by conduct

Answer 3

Unless the TYPE of agreement is required by law to be in writing, a verbal (spoken) agreement is LEGALLY as valid as a written agreement. The problem is, if you need to ENFORCE the agreement, you have to PROVE what was agreed to. This is nearly impossible for a verbal agreement.

Answer 4

Written and verbal (oral) agreements are legal contracts. It is far better to get these kinds of things in writing and to have both parties sign and date the agreement. This avoids potential problems.

Answer 5

Oral agreements are difficult to enforce, but they are enforceable. Written agreements are easier to enforce, because the judge can look at the writing (the contract) and read what it says.

Answer 6

A written (signed) agreement is easier to offer as evidence in court -- thus more enforcible.

But aside from a few specific categories of transactions -- sales/leases of land, sales of goods over a certain value, contracts regarding marriage or third-party debt -- oral contracts are just as legally binding as written ones.

The "oral" vs "verbal" play on words is cute -- but legally meaningless as a distinction. There is writing -- and there is everything else besides writing.

Answer 7

A verbal agreement is a solid as the air it is spoken in.

Answer 8

If a man likes to keep his word, a verbal agreement is binding. if you break a verbal agreement,I'll never trust you again.

Answer 9

A VERBAL AGREEMENT IS OK AS LONG AS THE TWO PEOPLE WHO MADE THE AGREEMENT AGREE THAT WHAT WAS SAID WAS THE AGREEMENT

Answer 10

The problem with oral contracts is that it ends up your word against someone Else's. You have no proof of what was said.