The statute of frauds is the general name for each state’s statute (law) that requires certain contracts to be in writing—or to have a written memorandum that records the essential elements of the agreement—in order to be enforceable. Statutes of fraud are an exception to the general rule that verbal or oral contracts are just as enforceable as written contracts. Statutes of fraud are designed to prevent fraud and perjury (lying under oath) in transactions that are especially susceptible to fraud.

Statutes of fraud vary from state to state, but generally include (1) contracts for the sale or lease of real estate (land); (2) contracts that cannot be performed within one year from the date of the contract’s formation—such as a two-year employment contract; (3) loan agreements in excess of a certain amount; (4) contracts involving engagement promises (return of engagement rings), marriage (prenuptial agreements), or cohabitation (support, responsibilities) and post-cohabitation support (palimony); (5) contracts for the sale of goods above a certain amount (often $500); (6) promises to pay an estate’s debt from the personal funds of the executor; and (7) contracts in which one person agrees to pay the debt of another person.

In Kansas, the statute of frauds is codified under the Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.). This legal principle requires certain types of contracts to be in writing to be enforceable. Specifically, Kansas law generally includes the following types of agreements under the statute of frauds: contracts for the sale or transfer of real estate; contracts that cannot be completed within one year from the making thereof; agreements to answer for the debt, default, or miscarriage of another person; agreements made upon consideration of marriage, except mutual promises to marry; contracts for the sale of goods priced at $500 or more, as per the Uniform Commercial Code; and agreements to lend money or extend credit in an amount greater than $25,000, unless the credit is extended primarily for personal, family, or household purposes. These requirements are designed to prevent fraud and perjury by ensuring that there is clear and written evidence of the agreements that fall under these categories.