Can a teen under the age of 18 be part of a business partnership?

By Nina Kaufman • Aug 13, 2007

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

I am under the age of 18 and interested in starting an e-business. Can I be part of a partnership with a parent or someone over 18?

Many states allow a person age 18 or over to freely enter into contracts and other business arrangements. That means a teenager under the age of 18 may not. Therefore, if you are 18 or over and live in a state that considers the "age of majority" for contracts to be 18, you can move foward full steam ahead (unless, of course, your business involves the purchase and sale of alcohol or other items with an age restriction)! Just be sure to double-check with an attorney in your state that 18 is, in fact, the cut-off age for you.

Nina Kaufman

Nina L. Kaufman, Esq. is an award-winning New York City attorney, edutainer and author. Under her Ask The Business Lawyer brand, she reaches thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners with her legal services, professional speaking, information products, and LexAppeal weekly ezine. She also writes the Making It Legal blog.

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