Objector

An objector is a class member who files a written objection asking the court not to approve a proposed settlement, or to change part of it such as the attorneys' fees or the claims process. Only class members can object, which means objectors stay in the class, remain eligible for payment, and are bound by the settlement if the judge approves it anyway.

Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(e)(5)(A), any class member may object to a settlement that needs court approval, and the objection must state whether it applies only to the objector, a subset of the class, or the entire class, and state its grounds with specificity. The notice sets the deadline and where to send it, and many courts require objectors to include proof of class membership. Objectors can usually speak at the fairness hearing if they give notice.

Objections serve a real purpose. Judges rely on them to spot problems like tiny payouts, excessive fees, coupons of little value, or overly broad releases. Well-grounded objections have led courts to reject settlements or cut fees. But the process has also been abused by "professional objectors" who file boilerplate objections and then appeal, hoping to be paid to go away. Since the 2018 amendments, Rule 23(e)(5)(B) bars any payment in connection with dropping an objection or an appeal unless the court approves it after a hearing.

If you object, be specific about what is unfair and why. See our guides on opting out of or objecting to a class action and the rights of a class member, and the fairness hearing entry.