Oral Contracts in Texas : Enforceable Contracts in Texas

You may hear that an oral agreement is just as valid as a written agreement. However, in a Texas court of law, a written contract ordinarily trumps an oral contract. This means that in disputes, should there be a disagreement on a provision of the contract, the Court will use the written provisions of the contract to interpret the meaning before it will consider the oral arguments. Further, typewritten provisions control over printed provisions.

Under Texas law, the requirements for a valid contract are: (1) an offer; (2) an acceptance in strict compliance with the terms of the offer; (3) a meeting of the minds “meeting of the minds” is actually subpart of offer and accepted elements, not an independent element; (4) each party’s consent to the terms; (5) consideration; and (6) execution and delivery of the contract with the intent that it be mutual and binding. The elements of written and oral contracts are the same, and they all must be present in order for the contract to be binding.

Do you have an oral contracts with business vendors or employees that you would like to discuss with a Dallas contract attorney? Call Dallas contract attorney Mark Nacol to discuss any questions you may have on oral contracts in the Dallas, Texas area.