Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California
Minor Signing a Legal Document
My daughter is 17 years old. She is a teen mother, I am not sure if that matters, but she had signed a couple of documents with a University regarding Financial Aid and Student Loans. She failed the courses and is now being asked to pay $2000. I did not sign anything and would have never okayed a loan of such value. With her being a minor, will she be liable for the payment or is there a way to fight it?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Minor Signing a Legal Document
If she received any money, that would have to be returned, even if she could reject the contract. She cannot take the money and not repay it simply because she is a minor.
Re: Minor Signing a Legal Document
Under California Family Code section 6710, "a contract of a minor may be disaffirmed by the minor before majority or within a reasonable time afterwards or, in case of the minor's death within that period, by the minor's heirs or personal representative." However, whether that applies to federally-guaranteed student loans, I am not certain although, logically, it would seem to be the case.