What was the status of Ken and Debra’s contract when he signed it before turning 18?

When Ken signed the contract before turning 18, the contract is classified as a voidable contract. In Texas, as well as in many other jurisdictions, contracts with minors (individuals under the age of 18) are generally considered voidable at the option of the minor. This means that the minor has the legal right to affirm or reject the contract upon reaching the age of majority or even before that, if they choose to do so.

While the contract has the potential to be valid, the minor can elect to void it, protecting them from being bound by contractual obligations that they may not fully understand or appreciate due to their age.

In this case, Ken can choose to void the contract if he wishes, which is the characteristic that defines it as voidable. The contract isn’t void (meaning it cannot be enforced by either party) or valid (meaning it is fully enforceable as is) in the context of the minor’s capacity to contract. Additionally, it is not enforceable, as the minor would be able to reject the terms at any time prior to turning 18 or shortly thereafter. This distinction is important in understanding the legal protections afforded to minors in contractual agreements.