Can a minor in California enter a partnership with an adult?

Full question:

Can a minor in California be in a partnership with a non-minor?

Answer:

Parties to a contract must have contractual capacity for the agreement to be binding. Contractual capacity means understanding that a contract is being made and its general nature. If a party lacks this capacity, the contract is either void or voidable. Generally, individuals under the age of 18 are considered to lack contractual capacity, making contracts they enter into voidable. This means a minor can choose to void the contract, but it is not automatically void. Upon reaching the age of majority, a minor may affirm the contract, making it binding.

A partnership agreement is central to a partnership and must be enforced as written, with few exceptions. If a minor is involved in such an agreement, they can void it due to their lack of capacity.

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 California, a minor can technically be a partner in a partnership. However, the minor has the right to void the partnership agreement due to their lack of contractual capacity. This means that while they can participate, they may choose to exit the agreement at any time until they reach the age of majority.