Legal Question in Business Law in California

Can a minor solely own livestock?

We are buying a horse for our daughter. Can a minor under 18 solely own livestock? We live in LA County, California. Thanks for the post.


Asked on 11/18/07, 10:36 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

Re: Can a minor solely own livestock?

Civil Code section 671 says:

"Any person, whether citizen or alien, may take, hold, and dispose of property, real or personal, within this State."

Decisions interpreting 671 make it clear that even a day-old baby can legally hold title to real estate or anything else.

Problems with minors owning property arise due to their incapacity to make contracts. Therefore, it is inadvisable to vest title to real property, motor vehicles, etc. in minors because it will take a court order or waiting until they are 18 to be able to sell.

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Answered on 11/18/07, 2:53 pm


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