Minor Settlement

In North Carolina, when a minor receives money from a personal injury or wrongful death claim, an application must be filed with the court for appointment of a guardian ad litem, approval of the settlement, and disbursement of funds. The purpose of this judicial review is to ensure the proposed settlement is fair to the minor child and all interested parties. Except in very limited circumstances, any money that belongs to the minor child from the settlement will be held by or through the court until the child reaches the age of 18 (see also—guardian ad litem).