An oral contract, also known as a verbal agreement, is a binding agreement between two or more parties that is spoken, rather than written. Oral contracts are just as legally binding as any other type of contract, so it is important to make sure that you understand the terms of the agreement before entering into it.
Examples of Oral Contracts
Oral contracts can be used for a variety of situations, including employment agreements, rental agreements, contract for services, and loan agreements, among others. Common examples of oral contracts include an employee accepting a job offer, agreeing to a loan repayment, or entering a verbal agreement with a landlord.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Oral Contracts
The biggest advantage to oral contracts is that they are easy to form and can be helpful in situations where a written agreement is not necessary or isn’t required by law. Additionally, the process of creating an oral contract is often fast and efficient.
However, there are several potential risks associated with oral contracts. Without a written agreement, it is more difficult to prove the terms of the contract or prove that an agreement was made at all. Additionally, it is easier for one party to misrepresent the agreement that was made if there is nothing in writing. Lastly, oral contracts can be harder to enforce if a dispute occurs between the parties.
Conclusion
Oral contracts can be legally binding and can be used in many situations. However, it is important to understand the risks associated with them and to ensure that you have clearly defined the terms of the contract. This will help minimize potential issues should a dispute arise between the parties in the future.