What is the general requirement for a valid contract in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the general requirement for a valid contract centers on the necessity for all parties involved to enter into the agreement voluntarily. This principle is fundamental because it ensures that all parties have a clear understanding and consent to the terms and conditions laid out in the contract. Without voluntary consent, a contract may be deemed invalid due to factors such as duress, fraud, or misrepresentation.

While some contracts in Louisiana may require specific forms, such as written documentation for sales of certain types of property or those that exceed a certain value, the overarching requirement remains that all parties must willingly agree to the terms. Thus, the voluntary element is crucial for the legitimacy and enforceability of any contract under Louisiana law.

The other options focus on requirements that may not universally apply to all contracts in Louisiana or are simply incorrect; for example, not all contracts must be written, nor do they require a notary signature to be valid, nor do they permit just one party's signature as sufficient for enforceability.