When it comes to legal agreements, it`s important to know which ones must be in writing in order to hold up in court. Here are a few key agreements that must legally be in writing:
1. Contracts for the sale of goods over $500: According to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), any contract for the sale of goods over $500 must be in writing in order to be enforceable. This includes contracts for the sale of physical items like cars, furniture, and appliances.
2. Real estate contracts: Any agreement involving the sale or transfer of real estate must be in writing in order to be binding. This includes contracts for the sale of land, houses, and commercial properties.
3. Lease agreements: For leases longer than a year, the agreement must be in writing in order to be enforceable. This includes both commercial and residential leases.
4. Employment contracts: If an employee has an agreement with their employer regarding their job duties, compensation, or benefits, that agreement must be in writing in order to be legally binding.
5. Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs): NDAs, which are agreements that prohibit one party from sharing confidential information with another party, must be in writing in order to be enforceable.
6. Partnership agreements: If two or more people enter into a partnership agreement, that agreement must be in writing in order to be binding. This includes agreements for businesses, investments, and other ventures.
It`s worth noting that while these agreements must be in writing to be legally binding, they don`t necessarily need to be formal contracts. In many cases, a written agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the arrangement can be sufficient.
As always, it`s important to seek legal advice before entering into any agreement to ensure that your rights are protected and you`re not unwittingly signing away important legal protections.