The short answer
Many oral and email agreements are enforceable. Some contracts must be in a signed writing, and e-signatures generally count. The harder question is often proof of the terms and of who agreed.
Where it fits in your case
In disputes over whether a deal was made without a formal signed contract.
What to expect
Writing required. Illinois’s Frauds Act covers contracts that cannot be performed within a year, guarantees of another’s debt, and real estate sales; the UCC requires a writing for goods sales of $500 or more.
Emails can satisfy a writing requirement if they show the key terms and are signed or attributable.
E-signatures generally have legal effect, but you may need to prove who signed.
Conditions. Words like “subject to approval” can mean no contract until approval.
What we need from you
Every email, text, draft, and signed version, plus any audit trail from the signing platform.
Common misconceptions
“Oral contracts aren’t real contracts.” Most are enforceable; proof is the challenge.
“Everyone must sign.” Conduct can show agreement even without every signature.