How can a contract be enforced in Utah?

In Utah, a contract can be enforced through mutual assent and consideration, and in certain cases, it must be confirmed in writing. Mutual assent refers to the agreement between the parties to the contract—this typically means that both parties must agree to the essential terms and conditions of the deal. Consideration involves something of value being exchanged between the parties, which is a fundamental requirement for the enforceability of a contract.

Certain types of contracts, such as real estate transactions and contracts that cannot be performed within one year, are required by the Statute of Frauds to be in writing in order to be enforceable. This requirement helps prevent fraud and misunderstandings between parties.

The other options do not provide a complete understanding of how contracts function in legal terms. Notarization, while it may add credibility, is not a universal requirement for all contracts in Utah. Verbal agreements can be binding but run the risk of being harder to enforce unless they meet specific legal standards or fall under exceptions. Using a third-party mediator is related to dispute resolution rather than the enforcement of a contract itself. Therefore, the option that highlights mutual assent and consideration while also recognizing the writing requirement for certain contracts accurately captures the legal principles involved in contract enforcement in Utah.