Not necessarily. Oral contracts are usually just as enforceable as written contracts. However, there are certain categories of contracts that are required to be in writing to be enforceable; this requirement is known as the statute of frauds. Examples of contracts that must be in writing include contracts that affect rights in real estate, contracts for the sale of goods worth more than $500, and contracts that must take longer than one year to complete. The definition of a “written” contract can be quite broad; an attorney can help you understand whether your agreement will require a written contract.