As a rule, a contract entered into by a guardian on behalf of a minor is rescissible. This means that the contract can be cancelled or annulled by the minor once they reach the age of majority. This is because minors do not have the legal capacity to enter into contracts and therefore, any contracts entered into on their behalf must be carefully scrutinized.

The law recognizes that minors are vulnerable and may not fully understand the implications of entering into a contractual agreement. Therefore, contracts with minors are typically viewed as voidable, rather than void. This means that while the contract is initially valid, the minor has the option to either enforce it or rescind it once they reach the age of majority.

It is important to note that there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if the contract is for necessities, such as food, clothing, or shelter, it may be enforceable against the minor. Additionally, if the minor misrepresents their age or lies about their ability to enter into a contract, the contract may be enforceable.

As a copy editor, it is important to consider the legal implications of language used in contracts involving minors. It is important to ensure that the contract clearly acknowledges the minor’s lack of legal capacity and that any obligations under the contract are contingent on the minor reaching the age of majority.

Overall, it is important to be cautious when entering into contracts involving minors. As a rule, contracts entered into by a guardian on behalf of a minor are rescissible. However, there are exceptions to this rule and it is important to carefully consider the circumstances of each individual case. By doing so, you can ensure that all parties involved in the contract are protected and that the contract is legally enforceable.