Preliminary Approval
Preliminary approval is the first court hearing where a judge reviews a proposed class action settlement and decides whether it is fair enough to move forward with class notice and the claim period.
What preliminary approval means
After class counsel and defense counsel negotiate a proposed settlement, they submit it to the judge overseeing the case. The judge reviews the proposed terms — total fund size, attorney fees, notice plan, claim process — and decides whether it is fair enough to proceed. If yes, the judge grants preliminary approval, which authorizes the settlement administrator to notify class members and open the claim period.
What happens next
Notice to class members. Claim period opens (usually 60-180 days). Objections filed by class members if any. Final approval hearing at the end. See our full class action timeline.
Related terms
Final Approval · Notice of Class Action · Settlement Administrator