Integrated Agreement

In one sentence

A written contract that the parties intend as the complete and final statement of their deal.

Plain English

An integrated agreement is a written contract that both parties agree represents their entire deal—no side agreements, no oral promises, no handshake understandings count. Once a contract is integrated, courts will not consider earlier conversations or separate papers when interpreting what the parties meant. This protects both sides by making clear what was actually agreed to.

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Example

You buy a used car and sign a written agreement stating the car is sold as-is with no warranty. Even if the salesman verbally promised to fix the engine, the integrated written agreement controls, and the oral promise is not enforceable.

Used in a sentence

“The employment contract is an integrated agreement, so the job offer email the candidate received earlier is not part of the final deal.”

Related terms

Written Contract

An agreement between parties that is documented in writing and signed by the parties involved.

Oral Contract

A binding agreement made by spoken words only, with no written documentation.

Collateral Agreement

A separate side agreement made alongside the main contract, often oral or informal.

Parol Evidence Rule

A rule preventing outside evidence from changing the meaning of a written contract.

Objective Theory of Contracts

The legal rule that contract meaning is based on what a reasonable person would understand, not secret thoughts.

Assent

A party's agreement to the terms of a contract.

Offer

A proposal to enter into a binding agreement on specific terms.

Acceptance

Agreeing to the exact terms of an offer, creating a binding contract.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.