At what age can a child enter into a contract?
A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties. Generally, children under 18 years of age cannot enter into contracts. A child would not, therefore, be able to enter into a contract to buy land or shares. Children and young people can, however, enter into contracts for "necessaries", such as food and clothes. As a general rule, large, expensive items such as stereos and motorbikes would not be considered "necessaries".
Do you have any questions?
Email them to clc@essex.ac.uk or call the Child Law Advice Line on 08088 020 008, The National Education Line on 0845 345 4345, The Young Person's Freephone on 0800 783 2187, Or visit www.childrenslegalcentre.com.
