According to the statute of frauds, how must enforceable contracts be documented?

The statute of frauds is a legal doctrine that requires certain types of contracts to be in writing to be enforceable. This requirement is established to prevent misunderstandings and fraudulent claims regarding the terms of significant agreements. Written contracts provide a clear record of the parties' intentions and the specifics of the agreement, which can be essential in legal disputes.

When a contract falls under the categories specified by the statute of frauds—such as contracts for the sale of real estate, agreements that cannot be performed within one year, or contracts involving significant sums of money—it must be documented in writing to ensure that it is legally enforceable. The writing may take the form of a formal contract, a series of emails, or any documented form that reflects the agreement. Therefore, having a written contract is crucial in these cases to protect the interests of all parties involved and to uphold the integrity of the agreement.

While there are instances where oral agreements might be enforceable, these are typically limited to contracts that do not fall under the statute of frauds. Additionally, notarization is not a requirement for all written contracts under the statute; rather, it may be applied in certain legal contexts but does not specifically address the enforceability dictated by the statute of frauds.