In contracts involving minors, who is primarily liable?

In most legal systems, when it comes to contracts involving minors, adults are primarily liable. This principle arises because minors typically have limited capacity to enter into contracts, and most contracts made by minors can be voided at their discretion. Because of this limited capacity, the adult party to the contract bears the risk of dealing with a minor and may be held accountable for the obligations under the contract.

Minors can enter into contracts for necessities (such as food, clothing, or shelter) and may be held responsible for those specific agreements. However, for non-necessity contracts, minors often have the right to void the contract without penalty. This imbalance places a significant amount of liability on the adult, who must ensure that the terms of the contract are clear and that they do not impose undue burdens on a minor who may later choose to void the contract.

The other options suggest a level of liability that does not reflect the legal protections afforded to minors. Minors are not always liable, as they can void contracts; claiming that both parties share liability equally or that liability depends solely on the contract type misrepresents the legal framework surrounding contracts with minors.