Question 32

A written contract entered into by a 17-year-old buyer for a condominium 3 weeks prior to their 18th birthday is considered voidable.

A contract made by a minor, such as a 17-year-old, is generally considered voidable, meaning the minor has the option to affirm or void the contract upon reaching the age of majority.

A) void

This option is incorrect because a void contract is one that has no legal effect from the beginning. While contracts with minors can be problematic, a contract made by a minor is not automatically void; rather, it is voidable at the minor's discretion.

B) voidable

This option is correct as it reflects the legal principle that contracts entered into by minors are voidable. The minor has the ability to choose to either affirm or reject the contract upon reaching the age of 18, which aligns with the legal protections offered to minors.

C) enforceable

This option is incorrect because enforceable contracts require all parties to have the legal capacity to enter into an agreement. Since the buyer is a minor, the contract is not fully enforceable against them unless they choose to affirm it after reaching adulthood.

D) unenforceable

This option is also incorrect as it implies that the contract cannot be enforced by either party. However, the minor can choose to enforce the contract if they wish, thus making it unenforceable only against the minor and allowing them the option to void it.

Conclusion

The correct answer is that the contract is voidable because it was entered into by a minor. This legal framework provides the minor with protections that allow them to decide whether to affirm or void the contract once they reach the age of majority, distinguishing it from contracts that are void or unenforceable. Other options fail to accurately describe the nature of the contract due to the minor's ability to void it.