Nadya Suleman Fighting for Guardianship of Her Children
Tuesday, December 10, 2009
Octomom, aka Nadya Suleman mother of 14 who recently gave birth to octuplets, had a petition filed against her by child actor Paul Peterson seeking guardianship of her children. Attorney for Suleman, Arthur LaCilento, says Peterson has no legal standing to ask the court to appoint a guardian to watch over the estates of Suleman’s children.
Peterson is an advocate for the rights of child actors and heads the child advocacy company A Minor Consideration. He himself was a child actor who stared on the Donna Reed Show during the 1950’s and 60’s.
Peterson’s attorney, Gloria Allred, cited a California Probate Code which reads, “a relative or other person on behalf of the minor” may file a petition seeking guardianship.
Nadya Suleman (Octomom) Vs Paul Peterson
The suit was first filed in May and alleges that Suleman commercially exploits her children, arguing that a guardian would ensure her children were appropriately compensated through the use of entertainment contracts.
Evidently, Peterson feels that Suleman’s children should profit equally from news interviews, such as “Octomom: The Incredible Unseen Footage,” which the Fox Network aired in August, and from the sale of videos, such as the alleged sale of videos of the newborn octuplets for financial gain.
“This case is about control,” said LaCilento. “What is troubling is that someone can come into court and say they know better than the parent.”
In July, Superior Court Judge Gerald Johnston appointed a guardian ad litem over Suleman’s children.
In August, Suleman’s attorney filed an appeal after Johnston ruled that there was no statutory requirement that a petitioner must be an interested person or enjoy any type of relationship with the minor or minors named in the petition.
“Whatever the court’s decision, I hope this keeps paramount the issue of children who are in these extreme circumstances,” Peterson stated.
Related Information
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Octomom Reality TV Show
Official Paul Peterson Website
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