PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT
ANNOUNCES NEW PETITION
FOR APPROVAL OF ENTERTAINMENT CONTRACTS FOR MINORS
BOSTON, April 2, 2008 - The
Probate and Family Court announces a new Petition for
Approval of an Entertainment Contract for a Minor and
Appointment of a Limited Guardian (CJ-P 123).
The
petition reflects all of the information necessary for
petitioner (usually a parent) to seek court approval
of an entertainment contract involving a minor and, appointment
of a limited guardian to oversee the child’s income
from the contract. The contract is to be scrutinized
by the Court to ensure the terms are fair and reasonable
by industry standards.
Once
approved, the contract between the minor and the contracting
entity is binding, as if signed by an adult. After the
contract is deemed acceptable, revocation of the court’s
approval may be sought only if the Court finds that the
child is being harmed as a result of the contractual
relationship.
The
limited guardian appointed by the court must prepare
and present annual accountings of the child’s income
and the plans for preservation of the funds until the
income and any accrued interest are released to the minor
upon his/her eighteenth birthday.
Previously,
only prototype forms were available for these proceedings.
An increase in the number of professional entertainment
opportunities for talented children in Massachusetts
provided the impetus for formalization of these required
court pleadings.
If
you have questions, please contact Attorney Jocelynne
Welsh at the Administrative Office of the Probate and
Family Court Department.
PDF
of this Press Release 
New
Petition for Approval of Entertainment Contracts for
Minors
