Which item is a requirement of a legal contract?

• A. The parties must be competent and at least 18 (15 for life/annuity)
• B. The contract must be notarized
• C. It must be in writing
• D. It must be approved by a court

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that a legally enforceable contract requires legal capacity. Both parties must be competent and of an age that lets them understand and agree to the terms. Generally, the age of majority is 18, so someone under 18 usually cannot enter into a binding contract on their own. There are exceptions in some contexts, such as life or annuity contracts, where a minor as young as 15 may participate with appropriate parental or guardian consent, but the typical rule is 18. Notarization is not a blanket requirement for contract validity, and a contract does not have to be in writing or approved by a court to be enforceable in ordinary insurance transactions (though certain situations or statutes may impose writing requirements). Therefore, the essential requirement shown is that the parties must be competent and of legal age.