Zoneboy
08-21-2009, 08:21 PM
Link (http://www.whittierdailynews.com/news/ci_13179209)
An Orange County judge on Friday ruled that a former child actor and advocate for children in entertainment has legal standing to demand a third-party guardian be assigned by the courts to oversee the finances of Octomom Nadya Suleman's world-famous octuplets.
Superior Court Judge Gerald Johnston on Thursday heard arguments from Paul Petersen, former child star of "The Donna Reed Show," the "Mickey Mouse Club" and founder of A Minor Consideration, an advocacy group for child entertainers, and from Suleman's attorneys.
Suleman's attorneys wanted the case thrown out, saying Petersen had no legal grounds to ask for such a guardian, and argued that the litigation was a violation of Suleman's rights as a parent to oversee her own children's financial estates.
"We are very happy that the court has upheld the law and allowed us to proceed with our case and our efforts to protect Nadya Suleman's octuplets," said Petersen's attorney, Gloria Allred. "Although it is a victory for us, it is more importantly a victory for Nadya Suleman's octuplets."
Suleman became famous - or infamous - when she gave birth to the world's longest-surviving set of octuplets Jan. 26.
Opinion soured when it was learned Suleman was unmarried and living with her mother in a three-bedroom house in Whittier, on public assistance, and already had 6 children under the age of 8. Many were angry that Suleman had used artificial methods to conceive all of her children.
Petersen filed a lawsuit in May, stating fears Suleman is financially exploiting her children. He and his attorneys cited Suleman's lucrative contracts with celebrity gossip Web site RadarOnline, and for filming television documentaries.
"We are grateful that the decision reached in today's Superior Court hearing affirmed my ability to intervene on behalf of the Suleman octuplets," he said in a statement. "Given all that we have seen and heard in the last seven months, the appointment of an independent guardian to protect the financial interests of the Suleman octuplets will be a welcome development."
Suleman's attorney, Jeffrey Czech, did not return phone calls and an e-mail seeking comment.
The next court hearing will be on Oct. 29 in Orange County Superior Court's Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange.
An Orange County judge on Friday ruled that a former child actor and advocate for children in entertainment has legal standing to demand a third-party guardian be assigned by the courts to oversee the finances of Octomom Nadya Suleman's world-famous octuplets.
Superior Court Judge Gerald Johnston on Thursday heard arguments from Paul Petersen, former child star of "The Donna Reed Show," the "Mickey Mouse Club" and founder of A Minor Consideration, an advocacy group for child entertainers, and from Suleman's attorneys.
Suleman's attorneys wanted the case thrown out, saying Petersen had no legal grounds to ask for such a guardian, and argued that the litigation was a violation of Suleman's rights as a parent to oversee her own children's financial estates.
"We are very happy that the court has upheld the law and allowed us to proceed with our case and our efforts to protect Nadya Suleman's octuplets," said Petersen's attorney, Gloria Allred. "Although it is a victory for us, it is more importantly a victory for Nadya Suleman's octuplets."
Suleman became famous - or infamous - when she gave birth to the world's longest-surviving set of octuplets Jan. 26.
Opinion soured when it was learned Suleman was unmarried and living with her mother in a three-bedroom house in Whittier, on public assistance, and already had 6 children under the age of 8. Many were angry that Suleman had used artificial methods to conceive all of her children.
Petersen filed a lawsuit in May, stating fears Suleman is financially exploiting her children. He and his attorneys cited Suleman's lucrative contracts with celebrity gossip Web site RadarOnline, and for filming television documentaries.
"We are grateful that the decision reached in today's Superior Court hearing affirmed my ability to intervene on behalf of the Suleman octuplets," he said in a statement. "Given all that we have seen and heard in the last seven months, the appointment of an independent guardian to protect the financial interests of the Suleman octuplets will be a welcome development."
Suleman's attorney, Jeffrey Czech, did not return phone calls and an e-mail seeking comment.
The next court hearing will be on Oct. 29 in Orange County Superior Court's Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange.