Detailed Answer

Short answer: Yes — under Idaho law you can ask the probate court to appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) or other court-appointed representative to protect the interests of minor heirs before selling inherited real estate. The court commonly requires court-appointed representation and court approval when minors have an ownership interest in property that a personal representative, executor, or heir wishes to sell.

How this works in Idaho (plain terms):

If a decedent’s estate includes real property and one or more heirs are minors, the probate court will want to make sure those minors’ legal and financial interests are protected before approving a sale.
A guardian ad litem is a person the court appoints to represent the minor’s best interests in the specific proceeding (for example, a petition to sell estate real property). A GAL is not always the same as a guardian of the person or estate; the GAL’s limited role is to advocate for the minor during the court matter at hand.
You (or the personal representative/executor) typically file a petition with the county probate court asking for (a) appointment of a GAL for the minor heirs if needed, and (b) permission to sell the real property. The petition should identify the minor heirs, describe the property, explain why a sale is needed, and state how sale proceeds will be handled for the minors.
The court will evaluate whether appointment of a GAL is necessary, who should serve, and whether the proposed sale is in the minors’ best interests. The court may require an appraisal, notice to interested parties (parents, guardians, next of kin), and a hearing before granting authority to sell.

Statutes and rules to consult:

Idaho’s statutes governing probate, guardianships, and related procedures are found in Title 15 of the Idaho Code (Probate and Decedents’ Estates and Guardianships). For the court’s general authority over probate and protection of minors’ interests, see Idaho Code, Title 15: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/. County probate rules and local practice will govern filing procedures, notice requirements, and hearing schedules.

Typical court concerns and likely conditions:

The court may require appointment of a GAL to represent each minor or a single GAL to represent multiple minor heirs, depending on the circumstances and potential conflicts.
The court often requires appraisal(s) or other proof of fair market value before approving a sale of real estate to ensure the minors are not shortchanged.
The court may order sale proceeds for minors to be held in a blocked/checking account, placed in a guardianship or conservatorship account, or invested on the minor’s behalf until they reach majority or until a further court order.
If the minor already has a court-appointed guardian of the estate, the guardian may act for the minor’s financial interests; the court may still appoint a GAL for the sale proceeding if a separate advocate is needed.
The court may approve sale under specific terms (e.g., confirmation hearings, competitive bidding, or sale through a trustee) to protect minors’ interests.

Practical steps to request a GAL and sell the property in Idaho:

Locate the probate case: If there is a pending probate, file your petition in that case. If no probate has been opened, you may need to open a probate or a special proceeding with the county probate court where the real property is located.
Prepare a petition asking the court to (a) appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor heirs, and (b) authorize sale of the property or grant authority to the personal representative/executor to sell subject to court approval. Include property details, reasons for sale, and how you propose handling proceeds for minors.
Attach supporting documents: death certificate, heirs list, preliminary appraisal or broker’s estimate, and any proposed sale agreement or listing terms.
Serve notice: Provide proper notice to parents, existing guardians, all interested parties, and the minor heirs’ GAL once appointed. Idaho rules require notice to interested persons in probate matters; the court and local rules set the specifics.
Attend the hearing: The court will hear objections, evaluate whether the GAL appointment and sale are warranted, and may approve, deny, or conditionally approve the sale.
Comply with conditions: If approved, follow court conditions for sale, accounting, bonds, and management of proceeds for minors.

When the court might deny or delay sale:

If the court finds the sale would harm the minors’ long-term financial interest.
If important notice or appraisal requirements are missing.
If there is a dispute among heirs, a competing claim to the property, or potential conflict of interest by the person seeking the sale.

Who can serve as a guardian ad litem?

The court typically appoints an attorney, a qualified professional, or a private individual without a conflict who will fairly represent the child’s interests. Courts often appoint attorneys to serve as GALs when the matter involves significant financial interests, like real estate sales.

Costs and timing

Expect additional costs for GAL fees, appraisals, and possibly guardian or conservator bond requirements. The timeline depends on the court’s calendar, notice periods, and whether contested issues arise; simple matters can take a few weeks to months, while contested matters can take longer.

Helpful Hints

Start by locating the county probate court where the property is located and review local probate filing requirements.
Gather these documents before filing: death certificate, will (if any), preliminary title information, list of heirs with ages, and an estimated property value or appraisal.
If minors are heirs, assume the court will want independent representation for them — plan for GAL appointment and related fees.
Consider asking the court to place minors’ proceeds in a blocked account or require the appointment of a guardian of the estate to manage funds until the minors reach majority.
Get at least one professional appraisal or broker opinion to support the sale price and show the court you are seeking fair market value.
Provide clear, complete notice to parents, existing guardians, and all interested parties to avoid delays for lack of notice.
Talk with a probate attorney experienced in Idaho probate and guardianship practice. An attorney can draft the petition, handle notice and service, and represent the minors’ interests if you’re seeking the sale.
Be prepared for the court to require additional protections — bond, accounting, or confirmation hearing — before releasing funds or confirming the sale.

Where to learn more (Idaho resources)

Idaho Code, Title 15 (Probate, Decedents’ Estates, Guardianships): https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title15/

Final note and disclaimer

This article explains general principles under Idaho probate practice. It is educational only and is not legal advice. For guidance tied to your facts, local court procedures, deadlines, or to prepare pleadings, consult a licensed Idaho attorney or contact the county probate clerk.