Are verbal contracts legally enforceable?

In Washington, verbal contracts, also known as "oral contracts," are legally enforceable in certain circumstances. Generally speaking, oral contracts are viewed as enforceable in the same way as written contracts. That being said, there are exceptions to this rule, with some courts finding certain oral contracts to be invalid and unenforceable. The Washington court has generally held that certain types of contracts must be established in writing in order to be legally enforceable. These include contracts concerning real estate transactions, contracts that last more than one year, and contracts to pay another person’s debt. In addition, agreements that involve a large amount of money or complex terms tend to be more enforceable if written down. The best way to ensure that an oral contract is legally enforceable is to have it in writing. It is also beneficial to have a written agreement that contains all the details and conditions of the contract. This ensures that both parties are aware of their obligations and rights, and are in agreement on the terms of the contract. When the terms of an oral contract are not clear or agreed upon, it is difficult to prove and enforce in a court of law.

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