Are e-mails a legal form of contract that can be upheld in a court of law?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Are e-mails a legal form of contract that can be upheld in a court of law?

I have been e-mailing someone about writing a screenplay for them and they agreed to pay me $400 for it and 2% of the profits that the film makes. If for whatever reason they decide not to pay me the money or try to cheat me out of the profits, could the emails serve as a legal contract? Could I use them in a court of law to prove what I am owed and win the lawsuit?

Asked on July 26, 2011 North Carolina

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

E mails can in certain circumstances be evidence of an oral agreement between to people. If the e mail memorializes an offer, acceptance and considersation for something and is actually signed and mailed via U.S. mail or delivered in person, it can be a contract.

Your e mail statements about an agreement for $400 to do a screen play and 2% of profits could memorialize an oral agreement or an agreement implied by conduct as to the screen play. To be on the safe side, before you even start the screen play write up a written contract as to the agreement's terms and payment to be signed and dated by all parties. You might want to consult with a busienss attorney before you get too deep into this project.

Good luck.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption