Infant Compromise Orders

The court system takes a special interest in the well-being and rights of litigants under the age of 18, who are known in the law as

Infant tiny hands in the crib holding onto the side of the bed, have fun grabbing it. Closeup, baby development concept photo

“infants”. In cases where an infant sustains an injury, the attorney is not permitted to settle the claim without court approval. The process by which that approval is obtained is known as an Infant’s Compromise. There are two main objectives that the court wants to fulfill through that process: (1) verifying that the compensation received is reasonable in light of the facts of the case and (2) specifying where the funds received are to be deposited, normally in a savings account at a local bank. Absent extraordinary circumstances, the funds are normally required by court order to remain in the bank until the infant reaches the age of 18.