law
minor
A minor is a person who has not reached the age of legal majority, which is 18 in most states. Because minors lack full contractual capacity, a contract signed by a minor is generally voidable at the minor's option: the minor may disaffirm it before or within a reasonable time after reaching majority, while the adult party remains bound. Contracts for necessaries may be treated differently. Minors can usually acquire real property by gift or inheritance.
- Exam tip
- A minor's contract is voidable, not void. Only the minor can void it; the adult cannot use the minor's age to escape.
- Example
- A 17-year-old signs a contract to buy a condo, then backs out a month later. Because the contract is voidable by the minor, the seller cannot enforce it.
Related terms & state variants
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Last verified: 2026-10-23