Carver County District Judge Kevin Eide has denied a request filed by a lawyer for media organizations who sought to be heard at a probate hearing Monday in Prince's estate case.

However, Eide said he will ask the parties in the case to address the court Monday "in a manner that will not require the closure of the courtroom to the media and the public."

The media groups, which include the Star Tribune, seek to gain access to the court hearings and records.

Eide wrote media attorney Leita Walker on Friday that while barring her from speaking Monday, he'll ask his staff attorney to contact her to determine if she is seeking oral arguments on her motion "and if so, to work with you to find an appropriate date."

Eide said he recognized the media's concerns and is "working to unravel the knotty issues involving the public's right to have access to the courts and their right to know, along with statutory and rule requirements for confidentiality."

He said he is nearing completion of a review of rules and statutes and if he deems it appropriate, the court will be unsealing a number of documents.

Other media that have joined in the motion are American Public Media, the Associated Press, CNN, Tegna Inc. — formerly Gannet Co. — and USA Today Network.

RANDY FURST