Judicial settlement is a proceeding whereby which of the following occurs?

• A. A proceeding whereby the account of a fiduciary is settled and adjudicated by decree of the court
• B. A meeting of heirs to discuss estate distribution
• C. A court order for guardianship
• D. A tax assessment

Answer: (A)

Judicial settlement focuses on supervising and approving a fiduciary’s accounting. In this proceeding, the court reviews the fiduciary’s detailed account of all assets received and disbursed, debts paid, and distributions made. After notice to interested parties and any objections, the court may approve, modify, or deny the accounting and then issue a decree stating that the accounts are settled and the estate is distributed in accordance with the will or law. This process ensures accountability for the fiduciary and protects beneficiaries by providing a formal, court-approved resolution of how funds and assets were managed. It is not simply a meeting of heirs, a guardianship order, or a tax assessment.