Minor Settlements

Understanding the Process and Court Approval Requirements

Settlements involving minors are subject to heightened judicial scrutiny to ensure that any resolution serves the child’s best interests. Unlike adult cases, minor settlements typically require court approval through probate or guardianship proceedings, where judges carefully evaluate both the fairness of the settlement and the proposed use of funds.

Structured settlements play a central role in many minor cases because they provide built-in protection, reduce the risk of mismanagement, and align financial distributions with the child’s developmental milestones. Common features include age-based lump sums, dedicated education funding, and guaranteed lifetime income — all designed to balance opportunity with safeguarding.

Navigating minor settlements requires coordination among attorneys, guardians ad litem, trustees, and financial professionals to address issues such as liens, future medical needs, trust planning, and court preferences. This guide walks through the key steps in the minor settlement process, what courts typically expect to see, and how thoughtful structured settlement design can streamline approvals while securing the child’s future.