Prince estate case judge seals documents from would-be heirs

Prince performs in Britain in 2007. (Reuters)

CHASKA, Minn. – The Minnesota judge overseeing the Prince estate case has sealed the affidavits being filed by people claiming to be the rock superstar's heirs, as well as responses from the trust company that's managing the claim process.

Carver County Judge Kevin Eide issued the order Monday. He says due to the "confidential nature" of heirship issues, the documents will remain sealed pending further orders.

He issued the order before another hearing scheduled for next Monday on protocols developed by Bremer Trust to determine who's entitled to share in Prince's estate. No will has emerged since Prince died of an accidental drug overdose at his Paisley Park compound in suburban Minneapolis.

Attorneys for some of the 15 potential heirs listed in the order have asked the judge to close next week's hearing.