Is a purchase contract valid if a minor sells inherited property?

When it comes to contracts involving minors, the general legal principle is that minors do not have the full capacity to enter into binding contracts. This is grounded in the belief that minors may not fully understand the implications of their actions or possess the maturity necessary to make such decisions.

In the case of a minor selling inherited property, the contract is not considered void; rather, it is voidable at the minor's discretion. This means that the minor has the right to affirm or reject the contract once they reach the age of majority or within a reasonable time after that. The law allows this for the protection of minors to ensure they aren’t taken advantage of in contracts they may not fully comprehend.

Therefore, while the contract exists and is recognized, it allows the minor the option to void it, giving them control over their legal commitments as they transition into adulthood. This distinction is crucial in understanding the legal implications of contracts involving minors, particularly regarding property transactions.