Can emails be used as a binding contract?
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Can emails be used as a binding contract?
I negotiated a stipend for a job through email, now I’m being told they can’t pay.
Asked on July 21, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
The e-mail is a valid contract if it includes the essential terms required for a contract such as identification of the parties, subject matter of the contract, time for performance, and compensation.
A contract includes an offer and acceptance. The acceptance is effective upon dispatch by any reasonable mode of communication which includes e-mail.
Therefore, you have an enforceable contract.
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