Repudiate

verb (repudiates, repudiating, repudiated) # To reject the truth or validity of something; to deny. # To refuse to have anything to do with; to disown. # To refuse to pay or honor.

Repudiate

verb (repudiates, repudiating, repudiated)

1. To reject the truth or validity of something; to deny.
2. To refuse to have anything to do with; to disown.
3. To refuse to pay or honor.

(v.) - to reject the validity of; to disown or disavow

At common law, contracts made with minors are voidable. This means that a child that enters into a contract and then repudiates it cannot be held liable. However, a non-minor party is bound and liable. Since the contract is not void, it is deemed to exist; however, the limitations on liability severely reduce the consequences of repudiation where the minor-party is concerned.

There is one narrow exception for "necessities". Also, it is possible for a minor child to enter into a contract, at which time it is voidable, and then for the former child-party to ratify the contract once the former child-party has reached age of majority. It thereafter is enforceable against the former child-party. In seeking to enforce these types of contracts it might be possible to prove a lack of a capacity on the part of a child to understand the consequences of his or her actions or words in entering into a contract, but this would have to be a peculiar or extraordinary situation.