Appeals court overturns appointment of guardian to oversee finances of Suleman octuplets

Appeals court overturns Suleman octuplets guardian

SANTA ANA, Calif. — A California appeals court has ruled that Nadya Suleman’s octuplets don’t have to have a court-appointed guardian to oversee their estate.

The Fourth District Court of Appeal issued the temporary stay Thursday. It overturns last month’s order by a Superior Court probate judge appointing an independent lawyer to watch over the babies’ finances. The probate judge had said he wanted to ensure the babies weren’t exploited by tabloid photo spreads or other paid ventures.

Paul Peterson, a former Disney Mouseketeer who is an advocate for the fair treatment of children in entertainment, filed the petition seeking the independent lawyer in Orange County.

Suleman appealed, and the appeals court ruled that the probate court lacked jurisdiction and that Peterson lacked legal standing.

The next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 20.