No settlement of any action brought in behalf of an infant by next friend or defended on the infant's behalf by guardian or guardian ad litem is valid unless approved by the court in which the action is pending, or affirmed by an entry of judgment. If no action has been commenced, an infant by next friend may apply to any court in which an action based on the claim of the infant could have been commenced for an order approving the settlement of any such claim. An order approving such a settlement has the effect of a judgment. The court may make all necessary orders for protecting the interests of the infant, including requiring that funds be disbursed through establishment of a trust, and may require the guardian ad litem or next friend to give bond to truly account for all money received in behalf of the infant.   [PL 1993, c. 97, §1 (AMD).]