Minor Settlement Lawyer Columbus, Ohio
Are you involved in a settlement involving a minor? We can help.
In the state of Ohio, any settlement on behalf of a person under the age of 18 (Minor Settlement) is subject to the approval of the county probate court.
Are you legal guardian seeking a settlement on behalf of a minor? Get a Free Case Evaluation today.
A person, usually the parent or parents of the minor, must apply to the county probate court for approval of the settlement of the minor’s claim. They must indicate how much the settlement is for, the cost for attorneys’ fees, case expenses, any outstanding medical bills or other expenses to be paid back and the net proceeds that will go to the minor. The net proceeds for Minor Settlements may be placed in a custodial bank account, such as a Certificate of Deposit (CD), in the name of the parent. The net proceeds, if a significant amount, may also be placed in a structured settlement which would make periodic payments to the minor at certain ages after the minor turns eighteen. If you’re involved in a minor settlement, look no further than Erney Law in Columbus, Ohio to help guide your case.
No legal fees unless your case wins
Contact us directly anytime
Free, no-obligation case evaluation
Fair and full justice you deserve
Why you need a minor settlements lawyer in Columbus, Ohio.
An experienced probate attorney that specializes in minor settlements like Erney Law in Columbus, Ohio will help you obtain approval from the courts. We will walk you through the court process and help you take the necessary steps in order to be prepared for your case. Also, your minor settlement attorney will help you determine whether to place the net proceeds in a custodial bank account, such as a CD, or into a structured settlement, where you can control at what age the money will be released to your child, and what amount over time until the settlement is paid in full. Let Robert D. Erney help you with your probate court needs.
Structured settlement vs. lump sum payout in minor settlements in Columbus, Ohio.
Lump Sum Payouts
Pros
- The money can be spent however and whenever as soon as the minor reaches the age specified in the settlement agreement
- The settlement winner will be more able to meet immediate and unexpected needs
- A larger check will enable the settlement winner to manage their own investments
Cons
- If the money is lost, there are no second chances
- Your investments may not do well
- You may be pressured to give the money away
Structed Settlement Payouts
Pros
- The settlement winner is guaranteed to receive money to pay expenses over a long period of time
- The settlement winner will have ongoing support for long-term needs
- The settlement winner is protected from the consequences of making bad investments
Cons
- There is no access to the majority of the settlement
- You may not be able to pay unexpected bills
What Our Clients Say
"This team was very compassionate and professional. My lawsuit was extremely frustrating and complicated and they always seem to make me feel better at the end of the day. They were concerned not only with getting me my settlement and fighting for what was right but also concerned with my well being and health! I am so glad I went with this team to handle my case. I would recommend them to anyone."
Andrea L.
"Over a year ago I was involved in a car accident and was injured. I contacted Erney Law in Columbus Ohio and spoke to Mary Erney. The following day I met up with the father-daughter duo Robert & Mary Erney... best decision I ever made. They fought for my case 100%. Their honesty and open communication gave me assurance that I was in good hands. Thank you to Mary Erney for being understanding, caring, knowledgeable & determined. If you looking for a great attorney I highly recommend Erney Law."
Jen B.
"Mary and Mr. Erney were very helpful in my case. I didn't have to call and remind them of anything. I heard from them often and never had to reach out for an update. What I loved most was that they recognized who I was every time I stopped by. I didn't feel like just another client like most places make you feel. They were both very professional. I felt comfortable and trusted their advice every step of the way. I will definitely use Mary and Mr. Erney again in the future!"
LaNajee S.
"Back in Late 2018, I was T-Boned by a Mail Van that went speeding through a stop sign. I wasn't able to fully use my right hand for almost 5 months and this was the first time I had even taken on legal representation. She was very transparent through the entire process and kept me up to date as things progressed with my suit."
T'Asiah P.
"First off let me say, if I could give more than 5 stars, I would! I had the pleasure of working with Mary Erney of Erney Law. She and her entire firm were absolutely amazing! I was searching for an attorney who would take my case since I lived out of state. I thought there was no hope at all. I found Erney Law via online search. I spoke to Mary and from the very first conversation, I knew I wanted her to be my attorney. Why? Because she cared! From the start, her approach was a caring one. She took time to get to know me and my situation and she put her all into my case. She walked me through every step of the process and she was very patient with me and willing to explain any and everything. I could go on and on about the amazing experience I had working with Mary Erney and Erney law. If you are looking for a law firm to handle your case AND one who cares about you as a person, this is the one! I want to say thank you Mary and everyone at Erney Law. It has been a pleasure working with you!"
Mickey A.
"Rob and Mary are the best in Columbus. They are very kind and compassionate and will do everything in their power to get you what you deserve. They took the time to come meet with me on multiple occasions when I was in a care facility. They answered all of my questions and explained the processes. I felt completely in the know the entire time. They offered to represent me in court and fought for me with insurance companies with great success. I would highly recommend them to anyone who has been injured in an accident. Next time I need a lawyer they will be my first and only call!"
Rachel W.
Reginald M.
What's the process?
Personal injury cases can be complicated and winning your claim is not always guaranteed. Our process ensures that every client we represent will receive the best possible financial outcome, and start the healing process.
Free Case Evaluation
We will first review your case carefully, get to know you, and gain an understanding of your injuries.
Monitor Your Care
We ensure you receive the proper medical treatment during this difficult time.
We Handle Everything
We relieve the worry and burden of dealing with insurance companies and maximize your financial recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a minor settlement?
A minor settlement occurs when a minor child was injured by another person, a claim was filed, and the claim was settled for a dollar amount. An experienced attorney will assist you throughout the process of the minor’s claim, insuring you obtain the best possible result for the minor child. We have assisted many parents and guardians in obtaining the best possible settlements for their minor children. Please contact our office to discuss minor settlements further.
Does a court have to approve a minor settlement?
In Ohio, the probate court you live in must approve the settlement of the minor’s claim before funds can be distributed. An excellent attorney will assist you throughout the process of the minor’s claim, insuring the best possible result for the minor child and obtaining the probate court’s approval of the settlement. Our law firm has assisted many parents and guardians in obtaining the best possible settlements for their minor children. Please contact our office to discuss minor settlements further.
What happens to the money my child receives from his / her minor settlement?
Depending on the type of settlement you choose, the child’s money may either be placed in a structured settlement, where it will earn interest until the first scheduled payment date, or in a custodial account at a local bank. These accounts are held in the name of the child only. An experienced attorney can assist you in choosing the right option for your child. Please contact our office to discuss minor settlements further.
Can the funds from my child’s minor settlement be accessed before they turn 18?
It depends on the type of settlement you chose. If you chose a structured settlement, the funds are not accessible until the first scheduled payment date. If you chose to place your child’s minor settlement funds in a custodial account, you would need to obtain permission to access the funds from the probate court that approved the settlement.
Free Consultation
We're eager to meet with you about your legal issues, see how we can help, and give you and your family the personal attention you deserve.
Your personal injury case matters to us, just as much as it matters to you. We want to help you every step of the way, but in order to do so, we need to meet with you, get all the facts, and work out the details in order to build your personal injury case. We will meet with you for absolutely free, and explain to you in full detail the inner workings of how these situations usually end up, how likely you are to win your personal injury case, and how compensation works for you and for us.
Bexley, Ohio
Blacklick, Ohio
Canal Winchester, Ohio
Delaware, Ohio
Dublin, Ohio
Grandview, Ohio
Grove City, Ohio
Groveport, Ohio
Heath, Ohio
Hebron, Ohio
New Albany, Ohio
Newark, Ohio
Pataskala, Ohio
Powell, Ohio
Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Upper Arlington, Ohio
Westerville, Ohio
Whitehall, Ohio
Worthington, Ohio
Zanesville, Ohio
