Hawkinsville, GA asked in Contracts and Civil Litigation for Georgia

Q: In Georgia, can parent of 10 year old legally transfer the childs registered horse to another party?

AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) transfer papers were signed by parent & filled out by the "new owner"; although, the AQHA would not accept the transfer of ownership since the transfer papers were not signed by the owner, who is 10 years old. More details can be provided, if needed.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Michael D. Birchmore
Michael D. Birchmore
Answered
  • Lawrenceville, GA
  • Licensed in Georgia

A: IN TRUTH, THE 10 YEAR OLD IS A MINOR CHILD. MINORS BY LAW CANNOT CONTRACT WITH OTHER PARTIES, CANNOT OWN REAL PROPERTY (PER SE IN THEIR NAME), ETC. THIS ISSUE RECENTLY CAME UP IN ONE OF MY DIVORCE CASES; WHAT TO DO WITH "THE HORSE SITUATION?" THE AQHA IS ALLOWED TO MAKE THEIR OWN RULES IN THIS SITUATION. UNTIL THE MINOR ACHEIVES THE AGE OF MAJORITY (18 IN MOST STATES) THE MINOR WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACT AS AN ADULT. IN THIS SITUATION, THE CHILD WILL NEED A TRUST CREATED AND A TRUSTEE APPOINTED BY THE COURT. OWNERSHIP OF THE HORSE WILL BE HELD IN THE TRUST AND THE TRUSTEE WILL HAVE CONTROL OVER THE TRUST (SUBJECT TO COURT APPROVAL). YOU WILL NEED AN ATTORNEY TO ASSIST YOU WITH THIS MATTER.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.