>In cases where a written contract exists, that becomes the rule. If you begin with a written contract, all addendums, etc, must be in writing as well.

John,

Actually a written contract may be modified by a subsequent verbal agreement, or even by subsequent inconsistent behavior by one or more of the parties to the contract.

An old law school example: You agree to sell me a certain black horse, but you deliver a gray horse. I pay for the horse without comment. The contract was amended by your subsequent inconsistent behavior which was accepted by me by my actions. Nothing was ever said or committed to writing suggesting that the contract was amended.

The only time a written contract must be amended only by a further writing is if the terms of the contract provide that it may be amended only in writing -- almost all of them do.

regards,