Not every contract need be in writing to be valid and binding on both parties. But nearly every state legislature has enacted a body of law that identifies certain types of contracts that must be in writing to be enforceable. In legal parlance this body of law is called the statute of frauds. The statute of frauds requires certain contracts to be in writing in order to be valid. The types of contracts that must be in writing are marriage, contracts for more than one year, land, executor/estate, goods that are $500 or more, and surety. Although state laws governing contracts vary, most states have laws that are in line with the As noted above, verbal contracts can have the force of law, but some types of contracts must be in writing, like long-term contracts and contracts for marriage (pre-nuptials). There is also such a thing as an implied contract. You can unknowingly enter into a contract with someone and be forced to abide by its terms.