Is a contract valid if it was only agreed over email?
I agreed to build a website for a client and we confirmed the price, scope and deadline in a series of emails. Nothing was ever signed. Now they say there was no contract and won’t pay the final invoice. Do I have any rights?
1 lawyer answer
In many places, a contract does not need to be a single signed document to be binding. What usually matters is whether there was an offer, an acceptance, something of value exchanged on both sides, and an intention to be bound. An email thread that clearly sets out the price, the work and the deadline, followed by both sides acting on it, can be strong evidence that an agreement existed.
Some types of contracts (for example, many land sales or agreements that cannot be completed within a certain period) may need to be in writing and signed, but electronic signatures and even typed names in emails are often accepted. A lawyer can check whether any special rules apply to your type of work.
Practical steps: save the full email chain, your invoices, and any evidence that the client used or approved the work. A polite written demand that summarises the agreement is often the first step before small claims or other options.
This is general information, not legal advice — speak to a licensed lawyer about your situation.
Answer this question to help the asker — and get found by clients with similar issues.
Sign in to answer