Rule 73.19.Settlement of Claims of or Against Adult Wards
Last amended July 1, 2026 · Last verified July 1, 2026
In one sentenceRule 73.19 has the guardian of an adult ward’s estate seek court approval to settle claims for or against the ward, with notice to the interested parties the court identifies, and requires medical and fee disclosures for any injury claim.
(A)An application for settlement of a claim in favor of or against an adult ward shall be brought by the guardian of the estate. Notice of the hearing on the application shall be given to all persons who are interested parties to the proposed settlement, as determined by the court. The court may authorize or direct the guardian of the ward’s estate to compromise and settle claims as the court considers to be in the best interest of the ward. The court may dispense with notice of hearing.
(B)The application for settlement of an injury claim shall be accompanied by a current statement of an examining physician describing the injuries sustained, the extent of recovery from those injuries, and permanency of any injuries. The application shall state what additional consideration, if any, is being paid to persons other than the ward as a result of the incident causing the injury to the ward. The application shall state what arrangement, if any, has been made with respect to counsel fees. Counsel fees shall be subject to approval by the court.
End
Amendment History
Effective Date: July 1, 2026
Plain-English Summary
Division (A) covers any claim in favor of or against an adult ward. The guardian of the estate brings the application, and notice of the hearing goes to everyone the court determines to be an interested party to the proposed settlement — though the court may dispense with notice. The court may authorize or direct the guardian to compromise and settle claims as it considers in the ward’s best interest.
Division (B) adds requirements for an injury claim. The application must include a current statement from an examining physician describing the injuries, the extent of recovery, and any permanency; state any additional consideration being paid to others because of the incident; and state any arrangement for counsel fees, which are subject to the court’s approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to settle a claim of an adult ward?
The guardian of the ward’s estate, under Rule 73.19(A).
Does Rule 73.19 cover claims against the ward too?
Yes. It applies to settlement of a claim in favor of or against an adult ward.
Must the court always give notice of the settlement hearing?
No. Notice ordinarily goes to the interested parties the court identifies, but Rule 73.19(A) lets the court dispense with notice of the hearing.
Source & verification. The rule text, Effective Date, Amended dates, and Staff Notes are reproduced verbatim from the
official Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure (Ohio R. Civ. P. 73.19). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Ohio (Ohio Constitution, Art. IV, § 5(B)). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 1, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as:adult ward settlementguardianship settlement