What is the general rule for contracts with minors?

What is the general rule for contracts with minors?

• A. Void
• B. Voidable at the Minor's Option
• C. Enforceable with Parental Consent
• D. Voidable at the Parent's Option

Answer: (B)

Minors generally lack full contractual capacity, so contracts with them are not automatically binding. The general rule is that such contracts are voidable at the minor’s option. This means the minor can choose to disaffirm the contract, either while still a minor or within a reasonable time after reaching adulthood, and the contract can be canceled. If disaffirmed, the minor typically must return any value received, and the other party cannot enforce the contract against the minor. If the minor reaches adulthood and does not disaffirm, or explicitly or implicitly ratifies the contract by continuing to perform, the agreement becomes binding. There are exceptions, such as contracts for necessities (food, clothing, shelter, etc.), which can be enforced to the extent of their reasonable value, even against a minor. Why this fits the answer: the contract is not void from the start, nor automatically enforceable with parental consent, and the party that has the option to void is the minor themselves, not the parent.

Minors generally lack full contractual capacity, so contracts with them are not automatically binding. The general rule is that such contracts are voidable at the minor’s option. This means the minor can choose to disaffirm the contract, either while still a minor or within a reasonable time after reaching adulthood, and the contract can be canceled. If disaffirmed, the minor typically must return any value received, and the other party cannot enforce the contract against the minor.

If the minor reaches adulthood and does not disaffirm, or explicitly or implicitly ratifies the contract by continuing to perform, the agreement becomes binding. There are exceptions, such as contracts for necessities (food, clothing, shelter, etc.), which can be enforced to the extent of their reasonable value, even against a minor.

Why this fits the answer: the contract is not void from the start, nor automatically enforceable with parental consent, and the party that has the option to void is the minor themselves, not the parent.