contracts

voidable contract

A voidable contract appears valid and is binding until one party, who has the legal right, chooses to cancel it. Common causes include a minor entering a contract, fraud, misrepresentation, duress, or undue influence. The injured or protected party may either void the contract or affirm it and proceed. Until that party acts, the contract remains in effect for both sides.

Exam tip
Void means no contract ever existed (illegal purpose); voidable means valid until the protected party rescinds. A contract with a minor is voidable by the minor, not void.
Example
A 17-year-old signs a contract to buy land. He can choose to cancel it before turning 18 or shortly after, but the seller cannot cancel on that basis.

Related terms & state variants

Sources

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Last verified: 2026-10-23