Effective 28 Aug 1983

507.184. Powers of next friend, conservator or guardian on trial and settlement — court approval. — 1. The next friend, guardian ad litem or guardian or conservator shall have the power and authority, subject to the approval of the court, to waive a jury and submit all issues in such action or proposed settlement to the court for determination.

2. The next friend, guardian ad litem or guardian or conservator shall have the power and authority to contract on behalf of the minor for a settlement of the minor's claim, action or judgment, provided that such contract and settlement shall not be effective until approved by the court. The next friend, guardian ad litem and guardian or conservator shall also have the power and authority to execute and sign a release or satisfaction and discharge of a judgment which shall be binding upon the minor, provided the court orders the execution of such release or satisfaction and discharge of judgment.

3. The court shall have the power and authority to hear evidence on and either approve or disapprove a proposed contract to settle an action or claim of a minor, to authorize and order the next friend, guardian ad litem or guardian or conservator to execute and sign a release or satisfaction and discharge of judgment, and shall also have the power and authority to approve a fee contract between the next friend, guardian ad litem or guardian or conservator and an attorney and to order him to pay an attorney fee and to pay the expenses which have been reasonably incurred in connection with the preparation and prosecution of the action or claim and including the cost of any bonds required herein.

­­--------

(L. 1959 H.B. 537 §§ 507.182, 507.183, A.L. 1983 S.B. 44 & 45)

(1973) Judicial settlement of claim against tort-feasors does not release contractual liability of insuror to pay medical expenses to minor not a party to insurance contract. Aetna Casualty and Surety Co. v. Bailey (A.), 497 S.W.2d 816.

(1979) Statute is to be construed to mean persons who have not attained age of 18 years. Holoman v. Harris (A.), 585 S.W.2d 530.

(1981) Judgment entered under provisions of statute for the purpose of effecting a settlement of a minor's cause of action does not bar subsequent suit against persons who were not parties to the action. Arthur v. Evangelical Deaconess Society, etc. (A.), 615 S.W.2d 438.