Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

It was probably legal; however, it is now unenforceable. The statute of limitation in California for a verbal contract is 2 years from the date of the breach.

It is still "legal" if it ever was, but the two-year statute of limitations likely would be raised as a defense if a party tried to enforce it in court. The two years runs not from the date the oral contract is made, but from the date it is breached.

Legal, based on the scanty information you have provided.

Legal depends upon whether the contract was for something 'illegal' to do or sell.

Enforceability is your problem; proving the specific terms of the 'deal' to be able to prove breach and damages. Your 'word' is not proof in a dispute. Plus, there is a 2-year statute of limitations that runs from the 'breach'.

If the amount in question is enough to justify hiring counsel to help in this, and if serious about doing so, feel free to contact me.

If not, try small claims court and make your best presentation.