West Virginia § 55-1-1 - 55-1-1. When writing required.

Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 55-1-1 — 55-1-1. When writing required., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 55-1-1. 55-1-1. When writing required.

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

(a) To charge any person upon or by reason of a representation or assurance concerning the character, conduct, credit, ability, trade, or dealings of another, to the intent or purpose that such other may obtain thereby credit, money, or goods; or

(b) To charge any person upon a promise made, after full age, to pay a debt contracted during infancy; or upon a ratification after full age, of a promise or simple contract made during infancy; or

(c) To charge a personal representative upon a promise to answer any debt or damages out of his own estate; or

(d) To charge any person upon a promise to answer for the debt, default, or misdoings of another; or

(e) Upon any agreement made upon consideration of marriage; or

(f) Upon any agreement that is not to be performed within a year; or

(g) Upon any offer, agreement, representation, assurance, understanding, commitment, or contract of a bank, savings and loan association, or credit union, to extend credit or to make a loan in excess of $50,000, primarily for nonagricultural, business or commercial purposes, not including charge or credit card accounts, personal lines of credit, overdrafts, or any other consumer account: Provided, That this subsection shall not apply to any offer, agreement, representation, assurance, understanding, commitment or contract with a bank, savings and loan association or credit union in which a transaction has been completed as evidenced by a fund transfer;

Unless the offer, promise, contract, agreement, representation, assurance, or ratification, or some memorandum or note thereof, be in writing and signed by the party to be charged thereby or his agent. But the consideration need not be set forth or expressed in the writing; and it may be proved (where a consideration is necessary) by other evidence.

Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 55-1-1

What does West Virginia Code § 55-1-1 cover?

Section 55-1-1 ("55-1-1. When writing required.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. 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 West Virginia § 55-1-1?

A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 55-1-1" (West Virginia). 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 West Virginia law?

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

How does West Virginia § 55-1-1 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia 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 West Virginia.