Today I’d like to highlight the subject of child advocacy. Child advocacy refers to the protection of a minor’s rights within the legal system. This often comes into play when a child has been injured as the result of an auto accident.
If there is a settlement for a child involved in an accident, the court has an interest in making sure that child is advocated for. To protect a child’s settlement, there must be what is called a “minor’s compromise.”
A minor’s compromise protects the child’s settlement money so that they may access it in the future.
“
”
Let’s say a five-year-old child gets into an accident and receives a settlement of $5,000. At this point, the court would attempt to move this money into a protected account. However, the child must have a guardian ad litem, a guardian in the eyes of the law, for the funds to remain secure until the child is old enough to access them.
A minor’s compromise is a multi-step process that requires a fairly complex filing and an appearance before a judge. We strongly recommend that you have an attorney when undertaking this process.
If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to assist in any way.