How legal is a verbal agreement?

Verbal agreements, often known as oral contracts, are generally legal and can be binding. The main issue with verbal agreements is proving their existence and terms. When an agreement is in writing, the document itself serves as clear evidence of the terms of the agreement. However, in the case of verbal agreements, there may not be such concrete evidence. In many jurisdictions, certain types of contracts must be in writing to be enforceable. For instance, in the United States, the Statute of Frauds requires contracts such as those for the sale of real estate or contracts that cannot be performed within one year to be in writing. Despite this, in situations where an oral contract is enforceable, parties should gather all evidence that supports the existence of an agreement, including text messages, emails, and witness testimony. Legal advice should be sought to navigate the complexities.