united-states contract-law minor oregon
Can a minor be bound to a contract if a parent co-signs?
<p>James Doe, John Doe's minor son, wants to sign a contract with Mary Smith, an adult. Is the contract binding on James if he and his father both sign it? What if only his father signs it, but makes it clear he is signing on behalf of James? This is a contract that would clearly be voidable by James if only he had signed it.</p>

<h2>Children can enter contracts</h2>
<p>There seems to be this pervading myth that they can’t. This is weird because, if true, it would mean that a child couldn’t buy anything: a chocolate bar, a bus ride, a sandwich, because all sales involve a contract.</p>
<p>What is true is that a contract is voidable by a minor. That is, they can walk away from it anytime until they turn 18 and for a reasonable time thereafter. They can’t do that if the contract is for “necessities” (all of the above examples are), if the contract is complete (again, all of the above) or if the contract is clearly for the benefit of the child (e.g. contracts involving the child’s education).</p>
<p>Children do not normally need a parent’s permission or approval to enter a contract.</p>
<p>So, the contract is binding on Mary and voidable by James. John’s involvement is irrelevant unless he is a party to the contract in some way such as if he is acting as a guarantor.</p>
