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Are oral contracts legal and enforeable in Washington State?

Are oral contracts legal and enforeable in Washington State?

Q: Can I enforce an oral contract in Washington State?

Yes, oral contracts can be enforced in Washington State, provided they do not fall under the categories that require written agreements. If your oral contract involves terms that are legal and not specifically listed as needing to be in writing, it may be enforceable.

Q: What happens if an oral contract is disputed in Washington State?

If an oral contract is disputed in Washington State, the burden of proof lies with the party claiming the contract exists. They must provide evidence of the agreement's terms and the parties' intent. This could include witness testimony or any written communication related to the agreement.

Q: Are there exceptions to oral contract enforceability in Washington State?

Yes, while oral contracts can be enforceable, exceptions exist. Certain agreements, such as those involving real estate transactions or that cannot be completed within one year, must be in writing to be valid under Washington law (RCW 19.36.010).

Q: How can I prove an oral contract in Washington State?

To prove an oral contract in Washington State, you can use various forms of evidence. This may include witness statements, emails, text messages, or any other documentation that reflects the agreement's terms and the parties' understanding. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.

Full question:

Are oral contracts legal and enforeable in Washington State?

Category: Contracts
Subcategory: Oral
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Washington

Answer:

The applicable Washington statute is as follows:

RCW 19.36.010 Contracts, etc., void unless in writing.

In the following cases, specified in this section, any agreement,
contract and promise shall be void, unless such agreement, contract or
promise, or some note or memorandum thereof, be in writing, and signed by
the party to be charged therewith, or by some person thereunto by him
lawfully authorized, that is to say: (1) Every agreement that by its terms
is not to be performed in one year from the making thereof; (2) every
special promise to answer for the debt, default, or misdoings of another
person; (3) every agreement, promise or undertaking made upon consideration
of marriage, except mutual promises to marry; (4) every special promise
made by an executor or administrator to answer damages out of his own
estate; (5) an agreement authorizing or employing an agent or broker to
sell or purchase real estate for compensation or a commission.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What types of contracts must be in writing in Washington State?

In Washington State, certain contracts must be in writing to be enforceable. These include agreements that cannot be performed within one year, promises to answer for someone else's debt, agreements made in consideration of marriage (except mutual promises to marry), promises by an executor to cover damages from their estate, and agreements allowing an agent to sell or purchase real estate for compensation (RCW 19.36.010).