Contract Law For Minors In Miami-Dade
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As an example, a contract with a minor is voidable at the discretion of the minor on grounds of his age. But it is still binding on the party on the other side should the minor so decide.
In most states, minors are not legally able to enter into contracts, and any contract they do enter into is considered voidable . However, parents can be held liable for contracts made by their minor children if they have given their consent or if the contract is for necessaries such as food, clothing, or shelter .
A minor can get into any contract, but the general law concerning a contract with a minor is that such contracts are voidable. The law is formulated to safeguard minors who cannot fully understand the consequences of a contract. This implies that minors can exit the contract at their will.
In many cases, minors can't be held to the terms of a contract until they reach the age of majority. In other words, a minor has the right to opt out of a contract, even if the other party is an adult and is bound by the terms.
Minors don't have contractual capacity, and the laws that define the age of contractual capacity (and maturity) are created to protect them. In most countries, minors generally cannot sign a contract that will be upheld in court. In other words, that contract would be voidable.
All parties to a contract must have the legal ability to do so for the agreement to be valid. Minors (who, in Florida and many other jurisdictions, are under the age of 18) are deemed to lack the mental capacity required to enter into binding agreements under the law.
(2) Any minor of the age of 15 years or more, as determined by the nearest birthday, may, notwithstanding his or her minority, contract for annuities or for insurance on his or her own life, body, health, property, liabilities, or other interests or on the person of another in whom the minor has an insurable interest.
The law recognizes a minor as lacking the capacity to contract. Therefore, contracts with a minor are voidable. This, however, does not apply to the circumstances where minors are legally allowed to get into a contract and be fully obliged to the terms and conditions. Examples of such circumstances include necessities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Minors can work as independent contractors in specific roles such as delivering newspapers, babysitting, and performing in entertainment industries. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) protects minors from hazardous and exploitative employment.
