Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Or refine your search by selecting a city:
Refine your search by selecting a city.
Browse our 2 legal questions about Contract in United States and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
Contract law in Texas governs agreements made between individuals, businesses, or other entities. A contract is a legally binding promise or set of promises between two or more parties, outlining their rights and obligations. In Texas, most contracts can be oral or written, though some types, such as real estate sales, must be in writing. The purpose of contract law is to ensure that parties uphold their agreements and provide remedies if someone fails to perform as promised. Texas contract law is influenced by both statutes and court decisions, as well as the Uniform Commercial Code for certain categories of transactions, especially involving the sale of goods.
There are many situations in which an individual or business may require legal help with contracts in Texas. Some common scenarios include:
Having a lawyer involved can help protect your interests, reduce risks, and ensure your agreement aligns with your goals and the law.
Texas law has specific requirements and features that impact contracts:
Understanding these local nuances is essential to ensure a contract is enforceable and provides the intended legal protections.
To be legally binding, a contract in Texas must have an offer, acceptance, mutual consent, consideration (something of value exchanged), parties with legal capacity, and a lawful purpose.
Yes, oral contracts can be legally valid in Texas except in cases where the Statute of Frauds requires the agreement to be in writing, such as real estate transactions or contracts that cannot be performed within one year.
If a party fails to fulfill their obligations under a contract, the other party may be entitled to remedies such as monetary damages, specific performance, or contract cancellation and restitution.
Most contracts do not require notarization to be enforceable. However, some documents, like real estate deeds or powers of attorney, do require notarization under Texas law.
The statute of limitations for most written contracts in Texas is four years from the date of the breach. For oral contracts, it is generally two years.
Yes, non-compete clauses are allowed in Texas but must be reasonable in scope, duration, and geographic area. Texas courts will only enforce them if they protect a legitimate business interest and are not overly restrictive.
For a contract to be enforceable, generally both parties must show mutual consent through their signatures or conduct. For certain contracts, such as real estate sales, both parties' signatures are required by law.
If you do not understand any terms, you should seek legal advice before signing. Signing a contract without understanding it can have serious legal consequences.
Yes, Texas recognizes the validity of electronic contracts and electronic signatures under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, as long as both parties agree to conduct business electronically.
Generally, once a contract is signed, you are bound by its terms, unless the contract gives you a right to cancel, or specific laws apply (such as certain consumer transactions that have a "cooling-off" period). Always read your contract for any cancellation provisions.
For further information or assistance regarding contract law in Texas, the following resources may be helpful:
If you need legal assistance with a contract in Texas, consider the following steps:
Taking prompt action and getting informed legal guidance can help protect your interests and ensure a favorable outcome in any contract matter.
