Man Adopts 42-Year-Old Girlfriend

Choosing to adopt a child is a selfless act that requires the utmost compassion. However, when the adopted child is your 42-year-old girlfriend, the intent may be anything but dubious.

This is what John Goodman chose to do before being put on trial for DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a crash and the death of 23-year-old Scott Patrick Wilson — charges that could give him up to 30 years in prison.

The parents of Mr. Wilson are claiming Goodman adopted his longtime adult girlfriend, Heather Laruso Hutchins, as his legal daughter to shield his assets from the civil suit being filed against him. Goodman already has two minor children with a trust set up for both of them. According to the judge presiding over the case, the trust could not be a part of Goodman’s financial worth. Thus, if financial damages were awarded to the plaintiffs (the victim’s parents) the trust would not be a part of it.

Here’s where the adoption comes in.

After being adopted by Goodman, 42-year-old Hutchins — now his legal daughter– becomes entitled to at least one third of that trust’s assets since she is over 35. This gives her the ability to remove her portion of the trust.

This, many are guessing, is the reason for the adoption — a clever (or creepy) way to ensure the safety of his investments.

For a more detailed account, visit the Palm Beach Post.

 

– Andrew Lander, InvestorPlace @andrewlander