Do Verbal Agreements Count?

In Michigan, a handshake still means something—but not always in court.

We’ve all heard it: “But he promised me.”

Sometimes a verbal agreement can be enforced—but not when the law requires writing.

Under Michigan’s Statute of Frauds, certain promises must be in writing to count. That includes:

- Buying or selling land

- Deals that take more than a year to finish

- Promises to pay someone else’s debt

- Major financial or long-term commitments

That means if someone agrees out loud to sell you a cabin or repay a big loan, the court generally can’t enforce it unless there’s something in writing.

On the other hand, small, short-term agreements—like splitting a repair bill—can still be binding.

The law doesn’t punish good faith—it just requires clarity.

Trust is good. Writing it down is better.