What happens to contracts made by individuals declared mentally incompetent?

Contracts made by individuals declared mentally incompetent are considered void under the law. When a person is deemed mentally incompetent, they lack the legal capacity to understand the nature and consequences of their actions, which includes entering into contractual agreements. Because one of the essential elements of a contract is the ability of both parties to consent to the terms knowingly and voluntarily, a contract entered into by a mentally incompetent individual fails this criteria.

While there may be some circumstances in which contracts can be contested or where court approval might be necessary for other reasons, the crux of the matter is that any contract made by someone legally declared incompetent is treated as if it never existed, hence making it void. This legal principle is in place to protect individuals who are unable to make informed decisions due to mental incapacity, ensuring that they are not bound by obligations they do not fully understand.