14(a) was available). The estate, however, did not take advantage of this avenue. V The estate argues it did not receive a fair hearing because the district court failed to rule on the motion for guardian ad litem and for joinder until after the hearing was concluded. The estate also claims it was prejudiced by being denied the opportunity to depose Tom Murphy. The standard of review on these issues is whether the rulings of the district court were in error and, if so, constituted “harmless error.” N.D.R.Civ.P. 61. The rulings on these matters should be disregarded unless they have “affeet[ed] the substantial rights of the parties.” N.D.R.Civ.P. 61. Sheila has the burden to show her rights have been prejudiced. See In Re Guardianship of Frank, 137 N.W.2d 218, 225 (N.D.1965) (<HOLDING>). A The purpose for allowing the court to
recognizing plaintiff met this burden recognizing burden holding that the burden is on the plaintiff holding that the burden of proof is on the claimant recognizing that the burden of persuasion for a showing of prejudice was on the defendant