statute of frauds defense (Texas) · Go Syfert
← Texas issues

statute of frauds defense in Texas

69 Texas opinions name it 3 courts 1929–2026 3 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Texas courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (42)

CaseFollowedCited
\ MOORE\" BURGERgreen
· 1972 · cited in 18 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1976–2026
2 sentences

2003The doctrine is more commonly used, as it is here, counter-defensively by a plaintiff faced with the statute of frauds defense. " Moore" Burger, Inc. v. Phillips Petroleum, Co. , 492 S.W.2d 934, 936-37 (Tex. 1972); Sonnichsen v. Baylor Univ. , 47 S.W.3d 122, 125 (Tex. App.--Waco 2001, no pet.).

2003The doctrine is more commonly used, as it is here, counter-defensively by a plaintiff faced with the statute of frauds defense. “ Moore” Burger, Inc. v. Phillips Petroleum, Co. , 492 S.W.2d 934, 936-37 (Tex. 1972); Sonnichsen v. Baylor Univ. , 47 S.W.3d 122, 125 (Tex. App.—Waco 2001, no pet.).

1318
Ford v. City State Bank of Palaciosgreen
texapp · 2001 · cited in 3 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2006–2006
2 sentences

2006See Ford v. City State Bank of Palacios, 44 S.W.3d 121, 139 (Tex. App.CCorpus Christi 2001, no pet.); see also > Moore' Burger, Inc. v. Phillips Petroleum Co., 492 S.W.2d 934, 937 (Tex. 1972).

2006See Ford v. City State Bank of Palacios, 44 S.W.3d 121, 139 (Tex.App.Corpus Christi 2001, no pet.); see also ‘Moore’ Burger, Inc. v. Phillips Petroleum Co., 492 S.W.2d 934, 937 (Tex.1972).

33
Nagle v. Naglegreen
tex · 1982 · cited in 5 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1985–2002
2 sentences

1996Promissory Estoppel In claiming that Norwest is barred from raising a statute of frauds defense, appellants evoke the promissory estop-pel doctrine as exemplified in Cobb v. West Texas Microwave Co., 700 S.W.2d 615 (Tex.App.—Austin 1985, writ ref d n.r.e.); see also Nagle v. Nagle, 633 S.W.2d 796, 800 (Tex.1982).

1996Promissory Estoppel In claiming that Norwest is barred from raising a statute of frauds defense, appellants evoke the promissory estoppel doctrine as exemplified in Cobb v. West Texas Microwave Co. , 700 S.W.2d 615 (Tex. App.--Austin 1985, writ ref'd n.r.e.); see also Nagle v. Nagle , 633 S.W.2d 796, 800 (Tex. 1982).

25
Federal Land Bank Ass'n of Tyler v. Sloanegreen
tex · 1992 · cited in 3 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2018
2 sentences

2018See id.

2015The Court disagreed with the bank’s statute of frauds defense explaining, “The Sloanes do not claim that the bank agreed to loan them money and then breached that agreement; rather, they claim that the bank did not agree to loan them money, yet negligently misrepresented that it had made such an agreement.” Id. at 442 .

23
Eland Energy, Inc. v. Rowden Oil & Gas, Inc.green
texapp · 1996 · cited in 2 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2026
2 sentences

2026Accordingly, while we agree with Haskell that a contract that violates the statute of frauds is voidable, not void, see Troxel v. Bishop, 201 S.W.3d 290, 300 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2006, no pet.); Eland Energy, Inc. v. Rowden Oil & Gas, Inc., 914 S.W.2d 179, 186 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1995, writ denied), we conclude that Tsakiris LP, as a grantee of the property from Harris, had standing to assert the affirmative defense of the statute of frauds to challenge the prior real estate transaction between Haskell and Harris.

2015Town Park is not required to “repudiate” a non-existent agreement to have the statute of frauds bar the alleged verbal agreement. 11 In Eland Energy, Inc. v. Rowan Oil & Gas, Inc., 914 S.W.2d 179, 186 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1995, writ denied), cited by Amerigroup, there was a written agreement but one party alleged that the description of land in the agreement was too vague to be enforced.

22
Estate of Kaiser v. Giffordgreen
texapp · 1985 · cited in 2 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2004–2015
2 sentences

2015The statute of frauds defense is unavailable to a party who knowingly accepts the benefits of another party’s full performance and partly performs. 626 Joint Venture v. Spinks, 873 S.W.2d 73, 76 (Tex. App.—Austin 1993, no writ); Estate of Kaiser v. Gifford, 692 S.W.2d 525, 526 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1985, writ ref’d n.r.e.).

2004The statute of frauds defense is unavailable to a party who knowingly accepts the benefits of another party = s full performance and partly performs. 626 Joint Venture v. Spinks , 873 S.W.2d 73, 76 (Tex. App. C Austin, 1993 no writ); Estate of Kaiser v. Gifford , 692 S.W.2d 525, 526 (Tex. App. C Houston [1st Dist.] 1985, writ ref = d n.r.e.).

22
626 Joint Venture v. Spinksgreen
texapp · 1993 · cited in 2 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2004–2015
2 sentences

2015The statute of frauds defense is unavailable to a party who knowingly accepts the benefits of another party’s full performance and partly performs. 626 Joint Venture v. Spinks, 873 S.W.2d 73, 76 (Tex. App.—Austin 1993, no writ); Estate of Kaiser v. Gifford, 692 S.W.2d 525, 526 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1985, writ ref’d n.r.e.).

2004The statute of frauds defense is unavailable to a party who knowingly accepts the benefits of another party = s full performance and partly performs. 626 Joint Venture v. Spinks , 873 S.W.2d 73, 76 (Tex. App. C Austin, 1993 no writ); Estate of Kaiser v. Gifford , 692 S.W.2d 525, 526 (Tex. App. C Houston [1st Dist.] 1985, writ ref = d n.r.e.).

22
Beverick v. Koch Power, Inc.green
texapp · 2006 · cited in 2 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
2 sentences

2011Beverick v. Koch Power, Inc., 186 S.W.3d 145, 149 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 2005, pet. denied).

2011Beverick v. Koch Power Co., 186 S.W.3d 145, 149 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2005, pet. denied).

22
Enpro Systems, Ltd. v. Namasco Corp.green
txsd · 2005 · cited in 2 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2010–2010
2 sentences

2010See Enpro, 382 F. Supp. 2d at 880-81 .

2010See Enpro , 382 F. Supp. 2d at 880-81 .

22
Sonnichsen v. Baylor Universitygreen
texapp · 2001 · cited in 2 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003
2 sentences

2003The doctrine is more commonly used, as it is here, counter-defensively by a plaintiff faced with the statute of frauds defense. " Moore" Burger, Inc. v. Phillips Petroleum, Co. , 492 S.W.2d 934, 936-37 (Tex. 1972); Sonnichsen v. Baylor Univ. , 47 S.W.3d 122, 125 (Tex. App.--Waco 2001, no pet.).

2003The doctrine is more commonly used, as it is here, counter-defensively by a plaintiff faced with the statute of frauds defense. “ Moore” Burger, Inc. v. Phillips Petroleum, Co. , 492 S.W.2d 934, 936-37 (Tex. 1972); Sonnichsen v. Baylor Univ. , 47 S.W.3d 122, 125 (Tex. App.—Waco 2001, no pet.).

22
Exxon Corp. v. Breezevale Ltd.green
texapp · 2002 · cited in 2 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
2 sentences

2015Fuqua, Inc., 159 S.W.2d 228, 231 (Tex. App.—Amarillo 1942, writ ref’d) 12 Exxon Corp. v. Breezevale, Ltd., 82 S.W.3d 429, 439 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2002, pet. denied) 13 Hairston v. Southern Methodist Univ., 2013 WL 1803549 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2013, pet. denied) 13 Magcobar N. American, v. Grasso Oilfield Svcs., 736 S.W.2d 787, 796 (Tex. App-Corpus Christi 1987, pet. denied) 14 1 TO THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS: STATEMENT OF CASE Cottrell contends that an email (“the Email”), sent by a representative of Burton, wherein possible buyers, potential commissions, uncertain sales prices, and ambiguously

2015Stovall, 409 S.W.3d. at 800 (citing Breezevale, 82 S.W.3d at 439 ).

12
Carmack v. Beltway Development Co.green
texapp · 1985 · cited in 2 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1995–2015
2 sentences

2015Id. at 38.

1995Id. at 40 ; see Boyert, 834 S.W.2d at 63-64 .

12
Collins v. Allied Pharmacy Management, Inc.green
texapp · 1994 · cited in 2 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1994–1997
2 sentences

1997See, e.g., Collins v. Allied Pharmacy Management, Inc., 871 S.W.2d 929, 937 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1994, no writ) (“Promissory estoppel operates to preclude a statute of frauds defense only where the promise is to sign a written agreement complying with the statute.”).

1994See Schroeder v. Texas Iron Works, Inc., 813 S.W.2d 483, 489 (Tex.1991); Collins, 871 S.W.2d at 936-37 .

12
Southmark Corporation v. Life Investors, Inc., and Uslico Corporationgreen
ca5 · 1988 · cited in 2 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1994–1997
2 sentences

1997Co., 853 S.W.2d 791, 795 (Tex.App. — Dallas 1993, no writ) (promissory estoppel). 26 .See “Moore" Burger, 492 S.W.2d at 938 ; Harkinson v. Trammell Crow Co., 915 S.W.2d 28, 36 (Tex.App. — Dallas 1995), aff'd in part, rev'd in part on other grounds, 944 S.W.2d 631 (Tex.1997); see also Mann v. NCNB Tex. Nat’l Bank, 854 S.W.2d 664, 668 (Tex.App. — Dallas 1992, no writ) (stating the party invoking the doctrine must show that the party raising the statute of frauds defense orally promised to sign a particular written document which had been prepared and which would satisfy the requirements of the s

1997Id. at 768 . 29 .

12
Troxel v. Bishopgreen
texapp · 2006 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
1 sentence

2026Accordingly, while we agree with Haskell that a contract that violates the statute of frauds is voidable, not void, see Troxel v. Bishop, 201 S.W.3d 290, 300 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2006, no pet.); Eland Energy, Inc. v. Rowden Oil & Gas, Inc., 914 S.W.2d 179, 186 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1995, writ denied), we conclude that Tsakiris LP, as a grantee of the property from Harris, had standing to assert the affirmative defense of the statute of frauds to challenge the prior real estate transaction between Haskell and Harris.

11
Murphy v. Johnsongreen
texapp · 1969 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2026–2026
1 sentence

2026In “Moore” Burger, Inc. v. Phillips Petroleum Co., 492 S.W.2d 934 (Tex. 1972), the Texas Supreme Court stated: Although it is the general rule that a stranger to a contract cannot invoke the statute of frauds, Murphy v. Johnson, 439 S.W.2d 440, 443 (Tex. Civ.

11
English v. Fischergreen
tex · 1983 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2020–2020
1 sentence

2020We need not reach Cathy’s liability under this theory because we hold that she is liable for breach of contract. 8 “The requisites of promissory estoppel in Texas are[] (1) a promise[,] (2) foreseeability of reliance thereon by the promisor[,] and (3) substantial reliance by the promisees to their detriment.” Wade v. XTO Energy Inc., No. 02-12-00007-CV, 2013 WL 257361 , at *6 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Jan. 24, 2013, no pet.) (mem. op.) (citing English v. Fischer, 660 S.W.2d 521, 524 (Tex. 1983)). 9 The findings that Pickel concedes are not supported by the record are findings 18 and 20.

11
McGalliard v. Kuhlmanngreen
tex · 1986 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016In re K.R.P., 80 S.W.3d 669, 673 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 2002, pet. denied); Waggoner v. Morrow, 932 S.W.2d 627, 631 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1996, no writ); McGalliard v. Kuhlmann, 722 S.W.2d 694, 696 (Tex.1986).

11
Waggoner v. Morrowgreen
texapp · 1996 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016In re K.R.P., 80 S.W.3d 669, 673 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 2002, pet. denied); Waggoner v. Morrow, 932 S.W.2d 627, 631 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1996, no writ); McGalliard v. Kuhlmann, 722 S.W.2d 694, 696 (Tex.1986).

11
In Re KRPgreen
texapp · 2002 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016In re K.R.P., 80 S.W.3d 669, 673 (Tex.App.-Houston [1st Dist.] 2002, pet. denied); Waggoner v. Morrow, 932 S.W.2d 627, 631 (Tex.App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1996, no writ); McGalliard v. Kuhlmann, 722 S.W.2d 694, 696 (Tex.1986).

11
Norwood v. Childressgreen
texapp · 1952 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
11
Magcobar N. Amer v. Grasso Oilfield S.green
texapp · 1987 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015Fuqua, Inc., 159 S.W.2d 228, 231 (Tex. App.—Amarillo 1942, writ ref’d) 12 Exxon Corp. v. Breezevale, Ltd., 82 S.W.3d 429, 439 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2002, pet. denied) 13 Hairston v. Southern Methodist Univ., 2013 WL 1803549 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2013, pet. denied) 13 Magcobar N. American, v. Grasso Oilfield Svcs., 736 S.W.2d 787, 796 (Tex. App-Corpus Christi 1987, pet. denied) 14 1 TO THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS: STATEMENT OF CASE Cottrell contends that an email (“the Email”), sent by a representative of Burton, wherein possible buyers, potential commissions, uncertain sales prices, and ambiguously

11
Ortiz v. Collinsgreen
texapp · 2006 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
11
Fredonia State Bank v. General American Life Insurance Co.green
tex · 1994 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015Co., 881 S.W.2d 279, 284 (Tex. 1994) (noting long-standing rule that point may be waived due to inadequate briefing) Even if we were to consider Nanda’s complaint, we note that Nanda’s motion for continuance also failed to adequately identify the needed discovery or explain how it would be material to the statute of frauds defense.

11
Maginn v. Norwest Mortgage, Inc.green
texapp · 1996 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015See Maginn v. Norwest Mortgage, Inc., 919 S.W.2d 164, 168 (Tex.App.-Austin 1996, no writ.).

11
Landis v. W. H. Fuqua, Inc.green
texapp · 1942 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015Fuqua, Inc., 159 S.W.2d 228, 231 (Tex. App.—Amarillo 1942, writ ref’d) 12 Exxon Corp. v. Breezevale, Ltd., 82 S.W.3d 429, 439 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2002, pet. denied) 13 Hairston v. Southern Methodist Univ., 2013 WL 1803549 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2013, pet. denied) 13 Magcobar N. American, v. Grasso Oilfield Svcs., 736 S.W.2d 787, 796 (Tex. App-Corpus Christi 1987, pet. denied) 14 1 TO THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS: STATEMENT OF CASE Cottrell contends that an email (“the Email”), sent by a representative of Burton, wherein possible buyers, potential commissions, uncertain sales prices, and ambiguously

11
Lam v. PHUONG NGUYENgreen
texapp · 2011 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
11
Continental Airlines, Inc. v. Kiefergreen
tex · 1996 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2014–2014
11
Sullivan v. Barnettgreen
tex · 1971 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
11
City of Houston v. Clear Creek Basin Authoritygreen
tex · 1979 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2012–2012
11
Enochs v. Browngreen
texapp · 1994 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
Roark v. STALLWORTH OIL AND GAS, INCgreen
tex · 1991 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
11
Leach v. Conoco, Inc.green
texapp · 1995 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
11
Keriotis v. Lombardo Rental Trustgreen
texapp · 1980 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
11
Beta Drilling, Inc. v. Durkeegreen
texapp · 1992 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
11
Jones v. Texas Pacific Indemnity Co.green
texapp · 1993 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
11
Mann v. NCNB Texas National Bankgreen
texapp · 1992 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
11
Harkinson v. Trammell Crow Co. No. 60green
texapp · 1995 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
11
Boyert v. Taubergreen
tex · 1992 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1995–1995
11
Schroeder v. Texas Iron Works, Inc.red
tex · 1991 · cited in 1 Texas opinions naming this issue, 1994–1994
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Texas. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (32)

CaseCitedYears
Lovett v. Lovett green
texapp · 2008
2 sentences

2010Id. at 392 .

2010Id. at 392 .

22010–2010
Cobb v. West Texas Microwave Co. green
texapp · 1985
2 sentences

1996Promissory Estoppel In claiming that Norwest is barred from raising a statute of frauds defense, appellants evoke the promissory estop-pel doctrine as exemplified in Cobb v. West Texas Microwave Co., 700 S.W.2d 615 (Tex.App.—Austin 1985, writ ref d n.r.e.); see also Nagle v. Nagle, 633 S.W.2d 796, 800 (Tex.1982).

1996Promissory Estoppel In claiming that Norwest is barred from raising a statute of frauds defense, appellants evoke the promissory estoppel doctrine as exemplified in Cobb v. West Texas Microwave Co. , 700 S.W.2d 615 (Tex. App.--Austin 1985, writ ref'd n.r.e.); see also Nagle v. Nagle , 633 S.W.2d 796, 800 (Tex. 1982).

21996–1996
Coastal Corp. v. Atlantic Richfield Co. green
texapp · 1993
2 sentences

1995Coastal Corp., 852 S.W.2d at 718 .

1994Coastal Corp., 852 S.W.2d at 718-19 ; see also Southmark Corp. v. Life Investors, Inc., 851 F.2d 763, 769 (5th Cir.1988) (applying Texas law).

21994–1995
Richardson v. Iley green
texapp · 1957
1 sentence

2026See “Moore” Burger, Inc., 492 S.W.2d at 938–39; Richardson, 299 S.W.2d at 188–89.

12026–2026
United Savings Association of Texas v. Wieler green
tex · 1995
1 sentence

2025Id.

12025–2025
Bank of Texas, N.A. v. Gaubert green
texapp · 2009
2 sentences

2025Similarly, when addressing a temporary injunction in Bank of Tex., N.A. v. Gaubert, 286 S.W.3d 546 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2009, pet. dism’d w.o.j.), the court examined “a probable right to relief on his claims in light of the statute of frauds defense,” which is an affirmative defense.

2025Id. at 552 ; TEX.

12025–2025
Stovall & Associates, P.C. v. Hibbs Financial Center, Ltd. green
texapp · 2013
12015–2015
James Hairston, Individually and Next Friend of E.H, a Minor v. Southern Methodist University, and Brent Erwin green
texapp · 2013
12015–2015
Choi v. McKenzie green
texapp · 1998
12013–2013
Gerstacker v. Blum Consulting Engineers, Inc. green
texapp · 1994
12012–2012
CRSS INC. v. Runion green
texapp · 1995
12005–2005
Trammell Crow Co. No. 60 v. Harkinson green
tex · 1997
11997–1997
Dodson v. Kung green
texapp · 1986
11994–1994
McDonald v. Whaley neutral
texcommnapp · 1922
11986–1986
O'Boyle v. Stanfield neutral
texapp · 1970
11982–1982
Rankin v. Naftalis green
tex · 1977
11978–1978
Consolidated Gas & Equipment Co. of America v. Thompson green
tex · 1966
11978–1978
Tyra v. Woodson green
tex · 1973
11978–1978
Woodward v. Harlin green
tex · 1931
11972–1972
Morris v. Gaines green
tex · 1891
11972–1972
Hooks v. Bridgewater green
tex · 1921
11972–1972
DALLAS TITLE & GUARANTY COMPANY v. Jarrell neutral
texapp · 1959
11967–1967
Stillman v. Hirsch neutral
texapp · 1935
11967–1967
Lemmon v. Box green
tex · 1857
11967–1967
Stillman v. Hirsch green
tex · 1936
11967–1967
Murphy v. Slaton green
tex · 1954
11963–1963
West v. Sims neutral
kan · 1941
11961–1961
Janes v. Rogers green
ark · 1954
11961–1961
Wilson v. Starbuck green
wva · 1935
11961–1961
Enfield Realty & Home Bldg. Co. v. Hunter neutral
texapp · 1944
11960–1960
Paschall v. Anderson green
tex · 1936
11958–1958
Adams v. Hughes neutral
texapp · 1911
11929–1929

Where else courts name it

NY 80 (1922–2025) TX 69 (1929–2026) CA 39 (1910–2025) OH 19 (1992–2026) IN 18 (1835–2025) IL 16 (1986–2024) MI 15 (1969–2025) MO 15 (1977–2021) AL 15 (1985–2015) MA 13 (1994–2015) FL 12 (1987–2012) PA 12 (1982–2026) CO 11 (1978–2014) WA 11 (1965–2023) GA 10 (1980–2025) UT 10 (1983–2024) NC 10 (1979–2024) WY 9 (1953–2017) IA 9 (1959–2014) CT 9 (1984–2002) ND 8 (1978–2023) MT 8 (1969–2016) AZ 7 (1977–2024) MN 7 (1976–2016) NM 7 (1972–2026) ME 7 (1910–2019) MD 6 (1967–2012) SD 6 (1984–2026) NJ 6 (1960–2026) TN 6 (1988–2021) WI 6 (1881–2024) ID 6 (1990–2025) OR 5 (1972–2010) DC 4 (1980–2014) NE 3 (2006–2021) VT 3 (1979–2024) WV 3 (1925–2021) AR 3 (1988–2025) MS 3 (1979–2005) VA 3 (2000–2013) DE 2 (2018–2021) VI 2 (2001–2017) HI 2 (1995–2002) KS 2 (1924–2025)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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