What is a common method for fulfilling the requirement of capacity in a contract?

The concept of capacity in contract law refers to a party's legal ability to enter into a contract. A common method for fulfilling the requirement of capacity is indeed age and mental competence.

For a contract to be enforceable, the parties involved must be of a certain age, typically 18 years or older, which is the legal age of majority in most jurisdictions. This implies that they can understand the nature and implications of the contract they are entering into. Additionally, mental competence is crucial; individuals must be able to comprehend the terms and the consequences of the agreement. If someone is deemed mentally incapacitated due to mental illness or disability, they may not have the capacity required to enter into a binding contract.

The other methods listed, such as legal representation, witness signatures, and notarization, can assist in the formation of a contract but do not in themselves establish the required capacity of the parties involved. Legal representation ensures that individuals understand their rights and obligations, while witness signatures and notarization provide formal verification of the contract, but they do not address whether the individuals had the requisite capacity when entering into the agreement.