Narrative Opinion Summary
The court addressed whether Jean A. Hull, now 18 years old, can sign a release concerning a settlement of $2,500 without needing court approval. Previously, under N. J. S. A. 9:17B-1 et seq., court approval was necessary for settlements involving minors. The defendant's counsel cited N. J. S. A. 9:17B-3, emphasizing the court's authority regarding individuals under 21. However, the statute's intent was to extend the rights and obligations of adults to those who are 18, while still allowing the court some discretion for protection. The court concluded that since an 18-year-old can settle a claim without judicial approval once they reach 21, there is no valid reason to distinguish this case, and therefore, no “friendly” approval is required in this instance.
Legal Issues Addressed
Authority of Minors to Settle Claimssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The court determined that individuals who are 18 years old can settle claims without court approval, aligning their rights with those of adults under N. J. S. A. 9:17B-1 et seq.
Reasoning: The court addressed whether Jean A. Hull, now 18 years old, can sign a release concerning a settlement of $2,500 without needing court approval.
Judicial Approval for Settlement of Claims by Minorssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The court concluded that judicial approval is not necessary for an 18-year-old to settle a claim, as they possess the same settlement rights as someone over 21.
Reasoning: The court concluded that since an 18-year-old can settle a claim without judicial approval once they reach 21, there is no valid reason to distinguish this case, and therefore, no 'friendly' approval is required in this instance.
Statutory Intent of N. J. S. A. 9:17B-3subscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The statute intends to extend adult rights and obligations to those who are 18, while still allowing some court discretion for protection, but not requiring approval for settlements.
Reasoning: The statute's intent was to extend the rights and obligations of adults to those who are 18, while still allowing the court some discretion for protection.