Difference between revisions of "Making a Contract"
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A person of any age can enter into a contract in British Columbia. But special rules apply if a person under age 19 (called a “minor” under BC law) enters into a contract. | A person of any age can enter into a contract in British Columbia. But special rules apply if a person under age 19 (called a “minor” under BC law) enters into a contract. | ||
A contract cannot be enforced against a minor. There are some exceptions: | A contract cannot be enforced '''against''' a minor. There are some exceptions: | ||
* if the contract provides the minor with the “necessaries” of life - services that are vital to the minor’s health or welfare, | * if the contract provides the minor with the “necessaries” of life - services that are vital to the minor’s health or welfare, | ||
* if on reaching age 19, the minor affirms the contract (that is, agrees to be bound by it), or | * if on reaching age 19, the minor affirms the contract (that is, agrees to be bound by it), or | ||
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If none of these exceptions apply, a minor isn't responsible for keeping up their end of any contract they enter. | If none of these exceptions apply, a minor isn't responsible for keeping up their end of any contract they enter. | ||
On the other hand, a minor can enforce a contract against an adult party to the contract. | On the other hand, a minor '''can''' enforce a contract against an adult party to the contract. | ||
{{PLSStorybox| image = | {{PLSStorybox| image = | ||
| text = “I agreed to paint my neighbour Harold’s fence this summer for $200. Then my family organized a big summer trip to Europe. My dad told me that because I’m 17, I could get out of the contract to paint the fence without any penalty. Because I’m a minor, I could enforce the contract against Harold, but he can’t enforce the contract against me.”<br>- Jordan, Chilliwack | | text = “I agreed to paint my neighbour Harold’s fence this summer for $200. Then my family organized a big summer trip to Europe. My dad told me that because I’m 17, I could get out of the contract to paint the fence without any penalty. Because I’m a minor, I could enforce the contract against Harold, but he can’t enforce the contract against me.”<br>- Jordan, Chilliwack |