A minor’s compromise is always required for settlement of a minor’s claim/lawsuit according to California law. You may have heard of the “below $5,000.00” exception, purportedly allowing for settlement of a minor’s claim/lawsuit without a minor’s compromise hearing. That is not only wrong, it is a dangerous cost-cutting method of attempting to settle a minor’s claim. The “below $5,000.00” exception has arisen from attorneys misconstruing the option which allows a judge to order minor’s settlements below $5,000.00 be managed by the minor’s parents without further supervision of the court.
No matter how “ironclad” a settlement agreement is for a settlement below $5,000.00, without a minor’s compromise being granted, that minor has a right to sue after reaching the age of majority.