Disaffirmance

In one sentence

A party's legal right to reject or cancel a contract, typically available to minors.

Plain English

Disaffirmance is when someone—usually a minor—says "no thanks" to a contract they signed and backs out of it entirely. Because minors lack full legal capacity to bind themselves, the law lets them walk away from agreements without penalty. Once they reach adulthood, they can either ratify (accept) the contract or formally disaffirm it. This protection exists because minors are considered too young to make binding financial decisions.

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Example

A 16-year-old signs a car lease. Before turning 18, she decides she no longer wants the car and disaffirms the contract. The leasing company must return her deposit and cancel the agreement, even though she signed it willingly.

Used in a sentence

“The teenager's disaffirmance of the purchase agreement meant the seller had to refund her money in full.”

Related terms

Voidable Contract

A contract that one party can cancel or reject, but is otherwise valid.

Capacity

The legal and mental ability to enter into a binding contract.

Mutual Mistake

Both parties are wrong about a basic fact when they sign a contract.

Bargained-for Exchange

A mutual agreement where each party gives something of value in return for something from the other.

Offer

A proposal to enter into a binding agreement on specific terms.

Acceptance

Agreeing to the exact terms of an offer, creating a binding contract.

Consideration

Something of value exchanged by each party to make a contract binding.

Offeror

The person who makes an offer to enter into a contract.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.