What term describes a party who is incapable of entering into a valid contract?

The term that describes a party who is incapable of entering into a valid contract is "incompetent." In contractual law, this refers to individuals who lack the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement. This incapacity could arise from various factors, such as being a minor, having a mental incapacitation, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the contract. Contracts entered into by incompetent parties are generally void or voidable, meaning they can either be declared invalid or can be affirmed or rejected at the discretion of the party deemed incompetent. This understanding is critical in real estate transactions and other legal agreements to ensure that all parties involved have the necessary capacity to uphold their contractual obligations.

The other terms do not relate to this concept. "Increment" pertains to an increase or addition, particularly in terms of amount or size; "inchoate" refers to something that is not fully formed or developed; and "investor" is a party that allocates capital with the expectation of a financial return, which does not pertain to legal capacity or the ability to contract.