You shook hands. You talked it through. Everyone agreed. 

But now, the deal has fallen apart.

And nothing was ever put into writing. 

What happens when a verbal agreement goes wrong in Maryland? 

In Maryland, verbal agreements (also called oral contracts) could be legally binding, but enforcing them can be complicated, frustrating, and expensive. Making a solid case without a paper trail can be tricky. However, there are options. 

It is important to understand that while a verbal contract could be binding in Maryland, it must possess the basic elements of a contract. This includes an offer, an acceptance, something of value exchanged, and mutual intent to be bound. 

But oftentimes, it is difficult to prove that all of these elements exist. Also there are certain types of agreements that absolutely must be in writing, including anything that involves real estate, paying someone else's debt, or sales of large goods and services. 

The biggest issue when enforcing a verbal contract is determining what the terms of that agreement consist of. Memory can become a battlefield, where after a disagreement, both sides swear they remember the conversation clearly, but their versions are completely different. 

In this case, legal counsel and/or the court will search for evidence including emails, voicemails, or paperwork, proof of payment, partial work delivered, or witness testimony. Basically, even including basic terms of the agreement in a brief email could benefit your side of the story. 

Ultimately, the best way to protect yourself is making sure everything is in writing. Whether this is a formal agreement, or as simple as an email, text message, or other form of documentation. This advice even goes beyond just a contract. It could include emails to your boss, disputes with a significant other, or conversations with your landlord. 

The bottom line is this, a little paperwork or documentation upfront can save a lot of time, money, and stress down the road. But if you are stuck in the middle of a dispute, call Steve Rakow at 410-600-3075 to explore your options. 

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Steve has extensive criminal trial and civil litigation experience. From minor traffic, DUI, and misdemeanors to major felonies such as murders, burglaries, firearms, and white collar crime, Steve has handled a wide array of cases. In the area of civil litigation, Steve handles everything from simple contract disputes to construction defects litigation. Other areas of practice include basic corporate matters, contract review, and general practice matters. He has been in-house counsel to a construction company and was an appellate law clerk. 

Steve serves Ocean City, Maryland, as well as Salisbury and surrounding areas including Worcester, Wicomico, Dorchester, Caroline, Talbot, Queen Anne's, and Somerset Counties.

Call 410-600-3075 today!