Ledger's daughter granted privacy order

Heath Ledger's daughter has been awarded privacy protection by a court in Los Angeles.

The order was made after lawyers for the late star sued ReliaStar Life Insurance for refusing to disclose details of a $10 million policy that he had taken out seven months before his death.

Among the details that attorneys for the Dark Knight star had wanted to know was the amount of money that three-year-old Matilda, his daughter with actress Michelle Williams, would receive as his benefactor.

Granting the motion, Superior Court judge Luis A. Lavin ruled that such information could be kept private, adding: "She is not a celebrity, she is a minor child."

Speaking after the hearing, ReliaStar lawyer Margaret Levy admitted that the company was pleased that the matter had been settled "amicably" and that the youngster would be protected.

Both parties have now confirmed that they have reached a settlement in the case.

Last month, it was claimed that the company had wanted to investigate the circumstances of the actor's death before paying out the agreed sum to Matilda.

> Williams 'won't raise Heath's child in LA'