Gipp et al v. Webb et al

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NORTH DAKOTA
Elias Gipp, et al., 	)
)
Plaintiffs, 	) 	ORDER
)
v. 	)
)
Raymond Webb and 	) 	Case No.: 1:19-cv-00213
United States of America, 	)
)
Defendants. 	)
On January 3, 2024, an ex parte telephone conference was held with Plaintiff Skylar Gipp
(“Plaintiff”) and his counsel, at which time the court denied counsel’s motion to withdraw as
Plaintiffs’ counsel. (Doc. Nos. 148-149).
On January 4, 2024, Plaintiff filed a motion to substitute himself as a plaintiff in his
individual capacity, and as the real party in interest, as he is no longer a minor. (Doc. No. 150).
The age of majority is eighteen (18) years of age in North Dakota. See N.D.C.C. § 14-10-
02. Once a minor reaches the age of majority within the course of the litigation, they become a real
party in interest. Heard v. Thomas, No. 2:20-CV-2335-MSN-CGC, 2022 WL 1431083, at *1
(W.D. Tenn. May 5, 2022), see also Stephenson v. McClelland, 632 F.App’x 177, 181 (5th Cir.
2015) (holding parents lose standing to bring claims on their child’s behalf after the child reaches
age of majority). Plaintiff was a minor at the time his guardian brought the claim, and he has since
turned eighteen years of age. Therefore, Plaintiff is the real party in interest and the guardian no
longer has standing to act on his behalf.
The United States has since filed a response, advising that they do not oppose Plaintiffs’
motion. (Doc. No. 152).
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Accordingly, the court GRANTS Plaintiffs’ motion. (Doc. No. 150). Plaintiff shall be
substituted as a plaintiff in his individual capacity, and as a real party in interest.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Dated this 5th day of January, 2024.
/s/ Clare R. Hochhalter
Clare R. Hochhalter, Magistrate Judge
United States District Court
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