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Did a Florida man adopt his girlfriend to shelter fortune from litigation?

February 10, 2012AdoptionWayne Ward

A wealthy Florida man — heir to an air conditioning fortune and founder of a West Palm Beach polo club — has resorted to an unusual adoption in an apparent attempt to shelter his fortune from civil litigation.

The new adoptive father — John Goodman — is currently being sued by the parents of a young man whom the Florida millionaire killed in a car accident. Specifically, the wrongful death suit alleges that Goodman was drunk at the time of the accident, speeding through a stop sign and striking the other car at a high rate of speed.

Before the accident, Goodman had established a trust fund for his two children. However, after a Florida judge ruled that the victim’s family could not touch the trust fund assets in their civil lawsuit, Goodman proceeded to legally adopt his 42-year-old girlfriend, making her his third so-called child who, as such, is entitled to a one-third share in the trust fund.

The defendant’s children cannot withdraw money from the trust until each of them reaches the age of 35. However, since Goodman’s adopted daughter/girlfriend is 42, she can immediately receive her one-third interest in the trust fund.

Many experts have theorized that she will presumably share these protected trust fund proceeds with Goodman. Indeed, the judge assigned to the civil case has called the situation resulting from the adoption a “legal twilight zone.”

It is worth noting that Goodman is also facing trial on criminal charges of vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a car accident. If convicted, he could face a sentence of up to 30 years in prison. Both the civil and criminal trials are scheduled to be held next month at the Palm Beach County Courthouse.

Stay tuned for updates on this intriguing story from our Ft. Worth family law blog …

To learn more about child custody, visitation or adoption rights, contact an experienced and skilled legal professional.

This post is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.

Source:

CBS News, “Fla. man adopts his 42-year-old girlfriend” Feb. 2, 2012

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4/20/2020
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killzz plays
3/11/2020
Mr. Ward is an energetic attorney who has developed clear definitions of proper legal pathways for solving complex social problems. My case involved the kidnapping of our daughter and other legal issues. It is clear that Alzheimers, dementia, and greed bring new components to our American Democracy. Mr. Ward is an exceptional lawyer and is perfect in his judgement of people and their actions. He is level-headed and focussed and at the same time empathetic and compassionate. He is a dedicated profession and his clients well-being. He is patient and communicates effectively with his clients throughout the legal process.

Robert Donovan
3/04/2020
I have the best lawyer! She is extremely personable. Which goes along way when you are dealing w a negative situation.

linda smith
6/26/2019
Greeted right when you walk it, gives off a homey feeling.

Michelle Rodriguez
2/10/2019
Gayla answers all my needs even after the case was closed 2 years ago. She's willing to service me and my needs. Attorney Wayne Ward you're team is amazing!

Lyndy Malaluan
8/07/2018
I retained Mr. Ward after careful research and a personal recommendation. You can't always believe what you read on a posted review. However, in my case I can only add to those endorsements. Mr. Ward's knowledge of the legal system and Texas law have been honed over 40 years. His reputation and relationships in Tarrant County have been built on integrity and respect. Mr. Ward is very personable and caring. He fights for what is right and just for all of his clients.
His office runs like clockwork due to a professional and caring staff. My experience in what was a difficult divorce was made immensely more favorable because of Mr. Ward and his team.

Karen P.
6/29/2018
If needed, I would choose to have him on my side of the table every time. I retained Mr. Ward after careful research and a personal recommendation. You can't always believe what you read on a posted review. However, in my case I can only add to those endorsements. Mr. Ward's knowledge of the legal system and Texas law have been honed over 40 years. His reputation and relationships in Tarrant County have been built on integrity and respect. Mr. Ward is very personable and caring. He fights for what is right and just for all of his clients. His office runs like clockwork due to a professional and caring staff. My experience in what was a difficult divorce was made immensely more favorable because of Mr. Ward and his team.

Karen
6/29/2018
I retained Mr. Ward after careful research and a personal recommendation. You can't always believe what you read on a posted review. However, in my case I can only add to those endorsements. Mr. Ward's knowledge of the legal system and Texas law have been honed over 40 years. His reputation and relationships in Tarrant County have been built on integrity and respect. Mr. Ward is very personable and caring. He fights for what is right and just for all of his clients.
His office runs like clockwork due to a professional and caring staff. My experience in what was a difficult divorce was made immensely more favorable because of Mr. Ward and his team.

Karen P.
6/29/2018
Wayne and his staff are extremely hardworking and absolutely dedicated to their clients. They truly care about the people who walk into their office needing help. They are smart and diligent and some of the nicest people I know.

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3/31/2018
Wayne Ward = Results Mr. Ward and his office are highly recommended for their professionalism, timely response, knowledge of the law and how it applies to a family law case and for the successful results that come from prioritizing the needs of the client.

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