The settlement of a case involving a minor in Maryland is controlled by Maryland Code, Estates & Trusts Article, Section13-403. Any disbursement to the client that exceeds the statutory limit would require the net proceeds check to be written in such a way to provide for a guardianship account to be set up on behalf of the child at a bank. there is no requirement that the settlement be approved by the court. However, the insurance company frequently will want to obtain court approval of the settlement to protect their insured from any possible future claims. In any event, the Plaintiff's attorney may also wish to get court approval to provide for prima facie proof that the settlement was fair and reasonable.