C.R.P.P. 62

(a) This rule sets forth procedures by which a court considers requests for approval of

the proposed settlement of claims on behalf of a minor or an adult in need of protection

pursuant to § 15-14-401, et seq., C.R.S., (‘‘respondent’’). In connection with a proceeding

brought under this rule, the court must:

(1) Consider the reasonableness of the proposed settlement and enter appropriate

orders as the court finds will serve the best interest of the respondent;

(2) Ensure that the adult respondent, a minor respondent’s parent, an adult respondent’s or minor respondent’s legal guardian, conservator, other fiduciary, next friend,

guardian ad litem, and other interested persons as the court deems proper, have been

advised of the finality of the proposed settlement;

Rules 58 and 59 Colorado Rules of Probate Procedure 1444

(3) Adjudicate the allowance or disallowance, in whole or in part, of any outstanding

liens and claims against settlement funds, including attorney fees; and

(4) Make protective arrangements for the conservation and use of the net settlement

funds, in the best interest of the respondent, taking into account the nature and scope of the

proposed settlement, the anticipated duration and nature of the respondent’s disability, the

cost of any future medical treatment and care required to treat respondent’s disability, and

any other relevant factors, pursuant to § 15-14-101, et seq., C.R.S.

(b) V enue for a petition brought under this rule must be in accordance with § 15-14-

108(3), C.R.S.

(c) A petition for approval of a proposed settlement of a claim on behalf of the

respondent may be filed by an adult respondent, a fiduciary for a respondent, an interested

person as defined in § 15-10-201(27), C.R.S., a next friend, or guardian ad litem. The

petition must be presented in accordance with the procedures set forth in this rule.

(d) A petition for approval of settlement must include the following information:

(1) Facts.

A. The respondent’s name and address;

B. The respondent’s date of birth;

C. If the respondent is a minor, the name and contact information of each legal

guardian. If the identity or contact information of any legal guardian is unknown, or if any

parental rights have been terminated, the petition must so state;

D. The name and contact information of the respondent’s spouse, partner in a civil

union, or if the respondent has none, an adult with whom the respondent has resided for

more than six months within one year before the filing of the petition;

E. The name and contact information of any guardian, conservator, custodian, trustee,

agent under a power of attorney, or any other court appointed fiduciary for the respondent;

and

F. The date and a brief description of the event or transaction giving rise to the claim.

(2) Claims and Liabilities.

A. The contact information of each party against whom the respondent may have a

claim;

B. The basis for each of the respondent’s claims;

C. The defenses and counterclaims if any, to the respondent’s claims; and

D. The name and contact information of each insurance company involved in the

claim, the type of policy, the policy limits, and the identity of the insured.

(3) Damages.

A. A description of the respondent’s injuries;

B. The amount of any time missed by the respondent from school or employment and

a summary of any lost income resulting from the respondent’s injuries;

C. A summary of any damage to respondent’s property;

D. A summary of any expenses incurred for medical or other care provider services as

a result of the respondent’s injuries; and

E. The identification of any person, organization, institution, or state or federal agency

that paid any of the respondent’s expenses and a summary of any expenses that have been

or will be paid by each particular source.

(4) Medical Status.

A. A description of the respondent’s current condition including but not limited to the

nature and extent of any disability, disfigurement, or physical or psychological impairments and any current treatments and therapies; and

B. An explanation of the respondent’s prognosis and any anticipated treatments and

therapies.

(5) Status of Claims.

A. For this claim and any other related claim, the status of the claim and if any civil

action has been filed, the court, case number, and parties; and

B. For this claim and any other related claim, identify the amount of the claim and

contact information of any party having a subrogation right including any state or federal

agency paying or planning to pay benefits to or for the respondent. A list of all subrogation

claims and liens against the settlement proceeds must be included as well as a summary of

efforts to negotiate them.

(6) Proposed Settlement and Proposed Disposition of Settlement Proceeds.

A. The name and contact information of any party or entity making and receiving

payment under the proposed settlement;

B. The proposed settlement amount, payment terms, and proposed disposition, including any restrictions on the accessibility of the funds and whether any proceeds will be

deposited into a restricted account;

C. The details of any structured settlement, annuity, insurance policy or trust instrument, including the terms, present value, discount rate, if applicable, payment structure and

the identity of the trustee or entity administering such arrangements;

D. The legal fees and costs being requested to be paid from the settlement proceeds;

and

E. Whether there is a need for continuing court supervision, the appointment of a

fiduciary or the continuation of an existing fiduciary appointment. The court may appoint

a conservator, trustee, or other fiduciary to manage the settlement proceeds or make other

protective arrangements in the best interest of the respondent.

(7) Exhibits.

A. The petition must list each exhibit filed with the petition.

B. The following exhibits must be attached to the petition:

(i) A written statement by the respondent’s physician or other health care provider, if

any. The statement must set forth the information required by subsection (d)(4) of this rule

and comply with Rule 60 unless otherwise ordered by the court;

(ii) Relevant legal fee agreements, statement of costs and billing records and billing

summary; and

(iii) Any proposed settlement agreements and proposed releases.

C. The court may continue, vacate, or place conditions on approval of the proposed

settlement in response to petitioner’s failure to include such exhibits.

(e) Notice of a hearing and a copy of the petition must be given in accordance with

§ 15-14-404(1) and (2), C.R.S., and Rule 20, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

(f) An appearance hearing is required for petitions brought under this rule.

(g) The petitioner, the respondent, and any nominated fiduciary must attend the

hearing, unless excused by the court for good cause.

(h) The court may appoint a guardian ad litem, attorney, or other professional to

investigate and report to the court, or represent the respondent. The court may order the

payment of fees and costs for such guardian ad litem, attorney, or other professional to be

paid from the settlement or other sources as may be deemed appropriate by the court.