(Image Source: WPEC)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

In a move a judge calls “unprecedented” and “a legal twilight zone,” a wealthy Florida man is being accused of adopting his girlfriend to protect his money.

48-year-old John Goodman, founder of the International Polo Club Palm Beach, is accused of running a stop sign and hitting 23-year-old Scott Wilson’s car in 2010. Wilson later died from those injuries, and his family is suing Goodman for wrongful death. The civil trial is set for March.

But now -- a new complaint from Wilson’s family. WPTV reports.

“Goodman has adopted his 42-year-old girlfriend, Heather Hutchins. The six-page document says Goodman made the move to divert a portion of his assets.”

The New York Daily News explains …

“[Goodman] filed the paperwork to adopt … Hutchins in October, legally entitling her to a third of the assets in a trust fund he set up for his two biological children.”

The Palm Beach Post explains because she is over 35, Hutchins is entitled to her share of that trust immediately. The paper also has Goodman’s side.

“ … Goodman’s civil attorney ... said Hutchins’ adoption was done to ensure the future stability of his children and family investments. ‘It has nothing to do with the lawsuit currently pending against him’ …”

So, will the adoption hold? WPEC spoke with an adoption attorney -- who says the move is ...

“Both awful and brilliant. ... This was an effort to carve out some of that money to be able to be used by him and his girlfriend to support their lifestyle.”

Fox News panelists debate -- calling the adoption “despicable” -- but smart.

“Morally despicable.”
“Repugnant.”
“It’s horrible, but you now have to remember -- we’re lawyers.”

Authorities say Goodman was driving with a blood-alcohol level two times above the legal limit the night of the accident. He also faces a criminal trial in March on charges of vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene of a crime. Goodman has pleaded not guilty.