Detailed Answer

Overview: Why a court often gets involved

When a person under 18 (a minor) receives money from a legal claim—most commonly a personal injury or a wrongful death claim—the court commonly must approve the settlement. The court’s job is to make sure the settlement is fair, that the minor’s legal guardian is not abusing their power, and that the minor’s money is protected for present and future needs.

Will you need to attend the hearing?

Short answer: maybe. Under Wyoming practice, many minor settlements must be presented to a probate or district court for approval. Whether you personally must appear in court depends on the county court’s local practice, the judge’s procedures, and the facts of the case.

Common outcomes:

• If the settlement is routine, uncontested, and paperwork is complete, courts often approve the settlement on submitted documents only and do not require everyone to appear in person.
• If the court has questions about whether the agreement is reasonable, about how the funds will be protected, or if someone contests the settlement, the court will likely schedule an in-person hearing and require attendance by the child’s guardian, the child’s attorney (if any), the plaintiff’s lawyer, and sometimes a guardian ad litem.
• For older minors (often age-dependent), the court may want to hear from the minor directly about whether they understand the settlement.

Who typically must attend?

Depending on the situation, the court may require some or all of the following people to attend:

• The child’s parent(s) or legal guardian.
• The attorney for the minor (plaintiff’s counsel).
• A guardian ad litem or court-appointed attorney for the minor, if the judge has appointed one.
• Defense counsel or an insurer representative, if the court wishes to hear from them.
• The minor, sometimes—particularly if the minor is a teenager and the court wants to confirm understanding.

What happens at the hearing?

Hearings for minor settlements are usually short. Typical elements include:

• The judge (or referee) confirms the parties and the nature of the claim.
• The court reviews the settlement terms: gross amount, attorney fees and costs, medical liens or bills, and the proposed net recovery to the minor.
• The judge asks whether the settlement is voluntary and whether anyone objects.
• The court may question the guardian, the attorney, and sometimes the minor briefly to ensure the settlement is fair and in the child’s best interest.
• If approved, the judge signs an order directing disbursement, often requiring protective measures for the funds (e.g., blocked account, court-ordered conservatorship, placement in a structured settlement, or payment to a custodian under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act).

How the court protects the funds

To prevent misuse, Wyoming courts commonly require one of these options:

• Deposit into a blocked or restricted bank account that requires court approval to withdraw.
• Creation of a structured settlement so the minor receives payments over time.
• Appointment of a conservator or guardian to manage the funds under court supervision.
• Payment to a custodian under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) or similar statute, when appropriate.

What documents and records the court will want

Typical filings the court will expect before approving the deal:

• A petition or application to approve the compromise/settlement.
• The settlement agreement or release.
• Attorney fee agreement and a proposed fee order.
• Itemization of medical expenses, liens, or outstanding bills.
• Verification or affidavit from the guardian and/or the child’s attorney confirming the facts and that the settlement is in the child’s best interest.
• Proposed order describing how and where the funds will be held or disbursed.

How long will the hearing take and what to expect day-of

Most minor-settlement hearings are brief—often 10–30 minutes if there are no disputes. Arrive with photo ID, copies of filings, and contact information for counsel. Expect the judge to ask a few direct questions. Dress neatly and be prepared to speak clearly and concisely if the judge asks you to testify.

When cases go differently

If a third party (for example, a medical provider or lienholder) objects to the proposed allocation, the hearing can take longer and may involve additional evidence or even multiple court dates. If the settlement includes complicated future medical care or long-term needs, the court may require expert reports or a settlement structure that addresses future expenses.

Where to find Wyoming rules or local procedures

Procedure can vary by county and by the presiding judge. For general information about Wyoming courts and probate/juvenile procedures, see the Wyoming Judicial Branch: https://www.courts.state.wy.us. For state legislative resources, see the Wyoming Legislature: https://wyoleg.gov.

When to hire an attorney

You should consult a lawyer if any of these apply:

• There is a dispute about how settlement funds will be split (e.g., insurers, providers, parents, or guardians disagree).
• Medical bills, liens, or subrogation demands are large or unclear.
• You want to consider a structured settlement or trust to protect the child’s long-term needs.
• You’re unsure whether the settlement is fair, or the court has asked for more information.

An attorney who handles minor settlements will file the appropriate documents, advise whether an in-person appearance is needed, and represent the child’s interests at the hearing.

Disclaimer: This is general educational information about Wyoming law only and does not constitute legal advice. Talk to a licensed Wyoming attorney about your specific situation before relying on this information.

Helpful Hints

• Contact the court clerk early to learn whether your county requires in-person attendance or accepts approval on submitted papers.
• Bring copies of the settlement, medical records, and attorney fee agreement to court even if you don’t expect to speak.
• Ask your lawyer to request an expedited approval if the minor has immediate medical or living expenses.
• Consider a structured settlement or court-ordered conservatorship to protect funds needed for long-term care.
• If the minor is old enough, discuss whether the child should attend and prepare them to answer simple questions truthfully and briefly.
• Confirm any required appointments for a guardian ad litem—some judges require an independent review before approval.
• Keep records of all medical bills and lien notices; courts scrutinize these when dividing settlement proceeds.
• Expect some delay: courts often take a few weeks to issue an approval order after filing, and funds are typically released only after that order is entered.