Is a mortgage valid if entered into under guardianship?

Full question:

Is a mortgage entered into by a person under a court appointed guardianship valid and can the guardian be made to accept the mortgage by the mortgagor?

  • Category: Contracts
  • Subcategory: Recission
  • Date:
  • State: Maryland

Answer:

The validity of a mortgage entered into by a person under court-appointed guardianship can depend on specific circumstances. If the mortgagor (the person borrowing money for the mortgage) was not competent to enter into that agreement, the court may intervene, especially if the guardian was unaware of the loan.

Generally, to create a legal contract, a person must be legally competent. This means they should be over eighteen years old and of sound mind. Minors (under eighteen) can void contracts, except for necessities like food or shelter. Similarly, individuals deemed of unsound mind due to mental illness or disability may also rescind contracts if they did not understand their actions or the consequences.

In cases where a person lacks sound mind, they typically cannot enter into contracts, as they do not have the capacity to understand the agreement. This includes individuals who are mentally impaired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol to the extent that they cannot grasp the significance of their actions.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

In a guardian's deed, the property is typically owned by the ward, the person under guardianship. The guardian acts on behalf of the ward to manage their affairs, including real estate transactions. However, the guardian must have court approval to sell or transfer property, ensuring that the ward's best interests are protected.