Enforcing Verbal Contracts California

Summary

Verbal agreements in California can be enforceable if supported by evidence such as emails, texts, and witness statements. California Civil Code Section 1622 allows oral contracts, and the statute of limitations is two years under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 339. You can file a claim in small claims court for the promised amount if you have sufficient documentation.

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California
Hi ****! It looks like you're in California. Could you please provide more details about your legal issue so I can assist you better?
Me and my father had a verbal agreement that if I did work for him he would compensate me with a used car with value of *. I worked for ten months and calculated my work and travel and expenses and loaned money I borrowed to do the work at around * dollars. I was never compensated for a single dollar. Now that I am done with the work he refuses to pay me and told me to take him to court. What is the law on this. I only want what he promised *
In California, verbal agreements can be enforceable, but proving them can be challenging. Key points to consider:
- Evidence of the agreement (emails, texts, witnesses).
- Proof of work performed (invoices, records, etc.).
- Documenting the value of the car and expenses.
Have you gathered any evidence or documentation to support your claim?
I have all the work I have done with dated document. I have texts and emails with him requesting specific duties or changes to the work. I also have witnesses who can testify in a letter if needed.
You're in a strong position since you have documentation and witnesses to support your claim. In California, such evidence can help enforce a verbal agreement.
You may consider filing a claim in small claims court for the $*,*. Would you like more information on how to proceed with this?
Yes
In California, small claims court is designed for cases like yours. Here's how to proceed:
- Prepare Your Evidence: Gather all your documentation, including emails, texts, invoices, and witness statements.
- File a Claim: You can file a claim at your local small claims court. The filing fee varies based on the claim amount.
- Serve the Defendant: Ensure your father receives the court papers.
- Court Hearing: Attend the court hearing with all your evidence.
Would you like more details on finding your local small claims court or the filing process?
What law specifically in California would allow me to take him to court for this
In California, verbal contracts can be enforced under the following laws:
- California Civil Code Section *: "All contracts may be oral, except those that are specially required by statute to be in writing."
- California Code of Civil Procedure Section *: This provides a two-year statute of limitations for oral contracts.
Would you like more details on the filing process or the small claims court procedures?