Bindi Irwin 'must prove father is dead' before getting Dancing with the Stars money

Steve Irwin poses with his daughter Bindi Irwin October 2, 2005 in Uluru, Australia. Photo / Getty Images

Bindi Irwin is caught up in a legal storm after her Dancing with the Stars contract just got rejected because a judge needs proof that her father is dead.

The 17-year-old's father, Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, was killed in 2006 after being attacked by a stingray while snorkeling near Queensland, Australia.

Lawyers for the show submitted a minor's contract to an L.A. Superior Court judge because Bindi is a minor. Her mother Terri signed a form stating she gives up all rights to any money her daughter will make on the show.

Steve Irwin poses with his daughter Bindi Irwin October 2, 2005 in Uluru, Australia. Photo / Getty Images

According to TMZ, the judge ruled that without proof of Steve giving up his rights to Bindi's money, "the court is unable to find that it is in the best interest of the minor to be bound by the terms of the contract".

It is unclear at this stage if lawyers can simply submit a death certificate or if the judge is unaware of Irwin's death.

According to TMZ, lawyers for the show are prepared to do all they can to get the judge to sign off, making the contract legal and allowing Bindi to access her money, which is reportedly $230,000.

Dancing with the Stars contracts guarantee a basic US$125,000 fee, but that goes up depending on how far a contestant progresses.

The US$230,000 figure is the sum total of that plus an extra US$10,000 for each of weeks three and four, US$15,000 for reaching week five, US$20,000 for taking part in each of weeks six and seven and US$30,000 for week eight, TMZ reported.

If Bindi continues in the show, she will reportedly make another US$30,000 for reaching week nine then US$50,000 a week for weeks 10 and 11.

Bindi has lit up the show with some touching performances alongside professional partner Derek Hough, including some she has dedicated to her dad.