Not every promise requires a contract. But even if you trust the other party, terms can still be forgotten or contested. In addition, the specific language of a contract and the terms within can be very important in enforcing the contract in the event of a breach.
California Civil Code section 1549 provides that “[a] contract is an agreement to do or not to do a certain thing.” Courts have defined the term as follows: “A contract is a voluntary and lawful agreement, by competent parties, for a good consideration, to do or not to do a specified thing.” Robinson v. Magee (1858) 9 Cal. 81, 83. California Civil Code section 1622 provides that “all contracts may be oral, except such as are specially required by statute to be in writing.” Evidence of a contract that is partly oral may be admitted if only part of the contract is fully integrated. When the parties to a written contract have agreed to it as an ‘integration’—a complete and final embodiment of the terms of an agreement—parol evidence cannot be used to add to or vary its terms. However, when only part of the agreement is integrated, the same rule applies to that part, but parol evidence may be used to prove elements of the agreement not reduced to writing.
Contact Thaler Law
Contracts can be complicated and technical. There are many benefits to having an experienced attorney draft or review your contract. Contact an experienced attorney from Thaler Law who can help you understand your legal rights regarding your contract. Contact us at 714-869-2900 or online today to schedule your free consultation.