Disclaimer: This information is educational only and is not legal advice. For guidance about your specific case, consult a Nevada-licensed attorney.
Detailed answer
In Nevada, courts typically must approve settlements that resolve a minor’s personal-injury or other civil claims. That approval process exists to protect the minor’s legal and financial interests. The court review usually happens by filing a petition to approve the compromise and, in many cases, holding a short hearing where a judge reviews the terms before signing an order that allows distribution of funds.
Who files the paperwork and who attends?
A parent, guardian or the minor’s attorney usually files the petition asking the district court to approve the settlement. The petition will include the settlement agreement, proposed allocation of the settlement (attorney fees, medical lien payments, costs, and what the minor will receive), and any supporting documents (medical records, bills, correspondence about liens, and a proposed order).
Who attends the hearing:
- The petitioning adult (parent or guardian) almost always attends or is represented by counsel.
- The attorney for the minor usually attends and presents the petition to the judge.
- The court may appoint or require a guardian ad litem or an independent attorney to represent the minor’s interests; that person may attend and speak on behalf of the minor.
- The minor sometimes attends, but attendance requirements depend on the court, the minor’s age and maturity, and whether the judge wants to question the minor directly about understanding the settlement.
When will the minor need to attend?
Most Nevada hearings to approve a minor’s settlement are procedural and brief. Judges often do not require a minor who is very young to appear. However, courts frequently want to hear from older minors (commonly teenagers) to confirm they understand the settlement and are not being pressured. Expect a judge to ask basic questions if a minor is present, such as whether they understand the settlement and whether anyone forced them into the agreement.
Typical hearing steps and what the judge reviews
- The judge confirms the petition was properly filed and notices were given to necessary parties.
- The court reviews documentation: the settlement agreement, attorney fee agreement, statements about liens or outstanding medical bills, and any guardian ad litem’s report.
- The judge may ask brief questions of the parent, attorney or minor (if present).
- If the judge approves, the court signs an order authorizing the settlement and directing how funds are held or disbursed (blocked account, trust, or direct payment after liens/fees are paid).
Possible outcomes and orders
The court can:
- Approve the settlement as requested.
- Approve it but order modifications (for example, require funds to be placed in a blocked or restricted account until the minor reaches majority).
- Require appointment of a guardian ad litem or special fiduciary to protect the minor’s interests.
- Reject the settlement if the judge finds it unfair or if required information is missing.
Practical expectations for attendees
- Hearings are usually short (often 10–30 minutes) unless the court needs more information.
- Bring identification, copies of the petition and settlement documents, and proof of any medical liens or billing statements.
- If a minor will testify, prepare them to answer simple questions about understanding—not to discuss private medical facts in detail.
- If anyone cannot appear in person, ask the clerk or your attorney about telephonic or videoconference options—the court may allow remote appearance by arrangement.
Money distribution and protective measures
Even after approval, the court often orders part or all of the settlement placed in a protective device—such as a blocked bank account, court-controlled fund, or structured settlement—to prevent premature dissipation. The order will address payment of attorney fees and reimbursement of medical liens before the minor receives net proceeds.
Where to look in Nevada law and court resources
Nevada courts require judicial approval to protect minors in settlements. For the full Nevada Revised Statutes and to locate the specific statutory provisions and court forms that apply to a particular type of compromise, start at the Nevada Legislature’s statutes page: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/. Local district court rules and court clerks’ offices also publish procedural requirements and form petitions on county court websites.
Helpful Hints
- Talk to a Nevada attorney experienced in minor-compromise petitions early. They will prepare the petition and advise whether the minor needs to appear.
- Ask your attorney to confirm whether the hearing is in-person or remote and whether the minor must attend.
- Gather and provide documentation of medical bills, lien statements, fee agreements and any insurance correspondence in advance of the hearing.
- Clarify how attorney fees and medical liens will be paid and whether any remaining funds will be placed in a blocked account or trust for the minor.
- Be ready to explain why the settlement is fair and in the minor’s best interest—courts look for clear justification before approval.
- If cost or travel is an issue, ask the court clerk about remote appearance options or whether the attorney can handle the hearing without the parent’s personal attendance.
- Keep copies of the signed court order and bank documents showing how funds will be held until the minor receives them.
If you need help finding a Nevada lawyer to handle a minor-compromise petition, consider contacting the local bar association or a legal referral service in your county.