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In This Volume

A person reaches the age of majority at 19 years of age in accordance with s. 1 of the Age of Majority Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 7. Before that time the person is considered an infant and is subject to the Infants Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 223, which sets out the law on the capacity of an infant to make contracts, as well as the duties and obligations of guardians and the Public Guardian and Trustee.

Dispositions by the Public Guardian and Trustee

Under s. 2 of the Infants Act, the Public Guardian and Trustee may apply to court for an order to dispose of an infant’s land. Section 4 establishes that each disposition under the order has the same effect as if the infant had executed the disposition as a person of the age of 19 years at the time. Section 8 gives the Public Guardian and Trustee the power to lodge a caveat to prevent a sale that prejudices an infant.

Other Dispositions

Leases to which an infant is entitled are set out in ss. 32 to 37 of the Infants Act. The power of a guardian to enter into agreements for an infant is dealt with in ss. 40 to 44, with s. 44 establishing that dispositions and other agreements made under the Act are valid as if the infant had been of full age and had made them.