What must be established for a contract to be enforceable against a minor?

For a contract to be enforceable against a minor, it is essential that the contract relates to necessary items. Generally, minors (individuals under the age of 18) have the legal right to disaffirm contracts to protect them from exploitation and to acknowledge their limited capacity to understand the implications of their agreements. However, exceptions exist for contracts concerning necessities, which include items such as food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. These contracts are generally enforceable against minors because they serve to provide for their basic needs.

When a minor enters into a contract for necessary items, the law recognizes the importance of ensuring that minors can acquire essential goods and services without being able to easily void those contracts. This principle helps strike a balance between protecting minors from their own lack of experience and recognizing their need for basic necessities.

In contrast, the other options, which involve intent to deceive or misrepresentation of age, do not apply to the enforceability of contracts with minors regarding necessary items. Contracts for non-essentials are typically voidable at the discretion of the minor, regardless of any deceptive intent or misrepresentation about age. This ensures that minors have an avenue to rescind contracts that they may not fully understand or that were entered into without the benefits of mature