Judge Rules Former Child Actor Paul Petersen has Legal Standing to Sue Octomom

[Zoneboy]

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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.

[catlover79]

Good for him!! I hope he wins!!

[dawsongirl]

I didn't know Paul Petersen was into children's rights. Nice to see a former child star who turned out normal.

[catlover79]

Originally Posted by dawsongirl

I didn't know Paul Petersen was into children's rights. Nice to see a former child star who turned out normal.

He is indeed. Here's his website and blog:

http://www.minorcon.org/

It's nice to see someone in Hollywood calling out Octomom and the Gosselins on exploiting their kids!! GO PAUL!!

[comedyfreak]

Good for him! I'm glad someone is doing something good that will benefit the kids.

[catlover79]

It would be nice to see other former child stars join Paul in this fight.

[blink]

That's good news, you know in California the law requires that only a minimum of 25 percent of the children's gross income be placed in a trust fund, after expenses and taxes the parents can do as they wish with the remainder.
Although such an arrangement may work well with responsible parents resulting in a better standard of living and education for the child, something tells me that wouldn't necessarily be the case with Octomom.

[Schmoopie]

That is awesome news! Thanks for sharing it! I hope he is successful in his efforts!

[LoveMrsG]

Originally Posted by blink

Although such an arrangement may work well with responsible parents resulting in a better standard of living and education for the child, something tells me that wouldn't necessarily be the case with Octomom.

You think???