A child cannot settle an injury claim the way an adult can. Most states require a court to approve a minor's settlement before it is final, and the court often decides how the money is held until the child reaches adulthood, for example in a blocked account or through a structured settlement. Approval thresholds, procedures and fee rules differ by state. Pick a state below for a real answer, cited to the relevant law.
Each state page below explains why and when a judge must approve a minor's settlement in that state, how blocked accounts and structured settlements compare, whether attorney fees are reduced in a child's case, and what is left for the child. Every legal figure is tied to a cited source — see our methodology for how we verify each one.
Every state page provides general guidance only and is not legal advice. Figures are based on cited state statutes or common-law standards, verified per our methodology. Confirm how the law applies to your specific situation with a licensed attorney in your state before acting.