Maine § 51. - Writing required; consideration need not be expressed

Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 51. — Writing required; consideration need not be expressed, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 51.. Writing required; consideration need not be expressed

No action shall be maintained in any of the following cases:  

1.  Executor or administrator.  To charge an executor or administrator upon any special promise to answer damages out of his own estate;

2.  Debt of another.  To charge any person upon any special promise to answer for the debt, default or misdoings of another;

3.  Agreement of marriage.  To charge any person upon an agreement made in consideration of marriage;

4.  Contract for sale of land.  Upon any contract for the sale of lands, tenements or hereditaments, or of any interest in or concerning them;

5.  Agreement not to be performed within one year.  Upon any agreement that is not to be performed within one year from the making thereof;

6.  Contract to pay debt discharged in bankruptcy.  Upon any contract to pay a debt after a discharge therefrom under the bankrupt laws of the United States, or assignment or insolvent laws of this State;

7.  Agreement to give property by will.  Upon any agreement to give, bequeath or devise by will to another, any property, real, personal or mixed;

8.  Agreement to refrain from carrying on any business.  Upon any agreement to refrain from carrying on or engaging in any trade, business, occupation or profession for any term of years or within any defined territory or both; the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any such agreement made prior to August 13, 1947;

unless the promise, contract or agreement on which such action is brought, or some memorandum or note thereof, is in writing and signed by the party to be charged therewith, or by some person thereunto lawfully authorized; but the consideration thereof need not be expressed therein, and may be proved otherwise.  

Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 51.

What does Maine Revised Statutes § 51. cover?

Section 51. ("Writing required; consideration need not be expressed") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maine § 51.?

A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 51." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maine law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.

How does Maine § 51. apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.