Probate Court banner Picture of the Probate Building

Click here to return back to Probate HomeProbate Court  
The Great Seal of California

bullet for list  Property Transfers at Death

bullet for list  Simplified Probate Procedures
bullet for list  FAQ's - Probate a Decedent's Estate
bullet for list  Probate Process Diagram
bullet for list  Preparing the Petition
bullet for list  Administering the Estate
bullet for list  Closing and Distributing the Estate
bullet for list  Trusts

bullet for list  Probate Help for Children

bullet for list  Adoption
bullet for list  Guardianship
bullet for list  Emancipation
bullet for list  Name Change
bullet for list  Minor's Compromise
bullet for list  Protecting a Child's Assets
bullet for list  Community Resources

bullet for list  Help for Adults/Elders

bullet for list  Conservatorship
bullet for list  LPS Conservatorship
bullet for list  Conservatorships for Developmentally Disabled Adult (Limited Conservatorships)
bullet for list  Medi-Cal
bullet for list  Name Change
bullet for list  Adult Adoption
bullet for list  Dependent Adult/Elder Abuse
bullet for list  Restraining Orders

bullet for list  Financial & Medical Decision Making

bullet for list  Durable Power of Attorney
bullet for list  Health Care Decision Making
bullet for list  Living Trusts

bullet for list  Petitions to Establish Birth, Death or Marriage

bullet for list  Resources & Referrals

bullet for list  Frequently Asked Questions
bullet for list  California Probate Referees

bullet for list  Local Probate Rules
bullet for list  Probate Forms
bullet for list  Probate Fees
bullet for list  Finding a Probate Lawyer
bullet for list  Probate Terms
bullet for list  Probate Court Location
bullet for list  Self-Service Home
bullet for list  Main Court Site
bullet for list  Case Info Site

 

  

Self Service Home  |  Glossary  |  Search  |  Site Map  |  Feedback  |  Contact
bulletProbate Court

Minor's Compromise
   [Esta página está en español; Trang này bằng tiếng Việt]

The law says money received on behalf of a child must be handled in a special way.

Click on a topic to learn more:

  1. What is a Minor’s Compromise?
  2. Is an Incompetent Person’s Compromise the same as a minor’s compromise?
  3. What if my child is injured and receives a settlement?
  4. Can either parent sign a settlement agreement on behalf of the child?
  5. What if the child has a legal guardian of the estate?
  6. Forms for Petition for Minor's Compromise
  7. What do I do with the Court forms?
  8. Where can I read more on the laws for a Minor’s Compromise?
     
  1. What is a Minor’s Compromise?

    A Minor's Compromise is when an adult signs on behalf of a child so the child can receive money. The law doesn’t allow the child to sign for him or herself until s/he becomes an adult.
     
  2. Is the process for an Incompetent Person’s Compromise the same as a Minor’s Compromise?

    Basically, yes. An Incompetent Person’s Compromise, is when another adult, who is appointed by the court, signs and receives money on behalf of the incompetent person. (An incompetent person is an adult who is unable to make decisions for him or herself.)
     
  3. What if my child is injured and receives a settlement?

    Under the law, a minor child cannot sign a contract or other legally binding agreement.

    But if your child has a claim for injuries caused by an accident, then you or the child’s guardian of the estate, can sign a settlement agreement on behalf of the child.
     
  4. Can either parent sign a settlement agreement on behalf of the child?

    Yes, if you both parents live with the child. If not, only the custodial parent or legal guardian can sign.

     
  5. What if the child has a legal guardian of the estate?

    The guardian, conservator, or the guardian ad litem can petition the court to transfer the funds using one of these methods:
     
    • To an insured account in a financial institution or into a single premium deferred annuity, subject to withdrawal only on court order;
    • To a custodian under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act;
    • To the trustee of a trust that the minor can revoke when the minor turns 18;
    • To the trustee of a special needs trust for the benefit of the minor as described in Probate Code Section 3604. (This type of special needs trust is only for minors who receive public benefits because of disability and high medical expense. When the trustee dies, the trust must reimburse the state for the state’s expenses for the individual's medical costs, up to the full amount left in the trust at the time of the trustee’s death.)

      • top of page ↑

    If there is no guardianship of the estate, the court that makes the order for settlement of the child's claim can make an order to do any of the following:
     

    • Establish a guardianship of the estate and transfer the funds to a guardian;
    • Transfer the funds to the county treasurer for deposit under specified conditions;
    • Deposit of the funds into an insured account in a financial institution, subject to withdrawal only on court order;
    • Purchase of a single-premium deferred annuity, subject to withdrawal only on court order;
    • Transfer to the trustee of a special needs trust as described in Probate Code Section 3604;
    • Transfer to a custodian under the California Uniform Transfers to Minor Act;
    • Transfer to the trustee of a trust that the minor can revoke when the minor attains age 18.Drawing of a dog


    If the settlement is $20,000 or less, the court will make whatever order is in the best interests of the child

    If the settlement is $5,000 or less, the court will order a transfer of funds to the parent of the child, in trust for the child



     

  6. Forms for Petition for Minor's Compromise
     
    • MC-350 Petition to Approve Compromise of Claim
    • CIV-010 Application and Order for Appointing Guardian Ad Litem
    • MC-351 Order Approving Compromise of Claim
    • MC-355 Order to Deposit Money Into Blocked Account
    • MC-356 Receipt and Acknowledgment of Order for the Deposit of Money Into Blocked Account

       
  7. What do I do with the Court forms?

     
    Step 1 Fill out and file these forms with the probate clerk at the Downtown Superior Court (DTS) in San Jose.

    Unless you have an Order that waives a medical report, attach a current medical report prepared within four weeks of the date of petition.

    See Local Rule 13C.

    There is no form for the Order to waive the medical report. You must type this Order on pleading paper and a judge must sign it before you can file your petition.
    Step 2 Pay the filing fee. (If you have a civil case, there is no fee.)

    Click here on the Probate fee schedule to see the fees to file a "Petition to compromise claim of minor".
    Step 3 If the money (settlement) to be received on behalf of the child is more than $5,000, there will be a hearing.

    Hearings are on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. in Dept 13 of the Downtown Superior Court.

    When you file your forms, the clerk will tell you the date of your hearing.

    Or, call the Probate staff. Their phone number is listed under "Probate Filings" on the court's phone listing.

    Note: If the money (settlement) to be received on behalf of the child is less than $5,000, there will not be a hearing. Just submit all needed forms to the Probate clerk with a self-addressed stamped envelope. The clerk will use the envelope to mail you endorsed filed copy of the judge’s decision.
    Step 4 If the judge approves your petition, file the orders MC-351 and MC-355.
    Step 5 Take a certified copy of the Order MC-355 to the bank along with form MC-356 .

    The bank clerk must sign the Receipt (MC-356).

    Then, you file the Receipt with the Probate clerk.

     

  8. Where can I read more on the laws for a minor’s compromise?

    Read Probate Code Section 3600 and the following sections.

    top of page ↑

  
   

Disclaimer     © 2010 Superior Court of California County of Santa Clara