A day after Fox show, octuplets' mom Nadya Suleman in court over money

Nadya Suleman is scheduled to be back in court today, hoping a judge will throw out an attempt to have an independent guardian review her children's finances.

The hearing comes a day after Fox broadcast a prime-time documentary about her life since giving birth to octuplets. Much of the footage came from Radar Online, which filmed Suleman for months. At one point in the documentary, she says: "I screwed up my life. I screwed up my kids' lives. ... What was I thinking?"

The court case focuses on the money her children receive from such filming.

Last week, an appeals court sided with Suleman in her legal battle with a former child star over whether Suleman's 14 children should have an independent guardian to protect their finances.

The 4th District Court of Appeal stayed a lower-court ruling siding with former Disney Mouseketeer Paul Petersen, who took Suleman to court over the issue. Last month, an Orange County judge agreed to appoint a guardian to examine the finances of the children. 

Petersen, who is an advocate for children in the entertainment industry, alleged that video shot of Suleman's children violated a law aimed at protecting child entertainers from overwork. The suit seeks to create an independent trust for the children.

Suleman said there was no need for a guardian. The lower court today will consider whether to drop the case.

 Suleman, who was already a mother of six, made headlines in January when she gave birth to eight more children. Radar Online and other media organizations have shot video of the children, and Suleman is going to be the focus of an upcoming reality-TV show.

-- Shelby Grad

Photo: Nadya Suleman with two of her octuplets. Credit: Fox

Comments

[Karen Lee]

After retching through about six minutes of the 2-hour abortion on Faux-TV, I simply couldn't wipe away the stain it left on my soul.
This creature is no more fit to raise a monkey --let alone 14 children. The babies especially are at GREAT RISK from their own siblings, who are so totally out of control in that freak show she calls a "home" -- they could easily maim --or even kill one or more of the babies in the blink of an eye.
Could ANYONE exist in that PANDEMONIUM? NOT without losing their minds. IMAGINE the childhood with the constant racket, tantrums, mommy out shopping -- nanny of the week/day must be "mommy."
There could be no clearer example of CHILD ABUSE than what aired about OCTO-incubator last night.
Never mind GUARDIANS - those kids need CARE-TAKERS ... real parents who CAN provide loving, SANE homes. Her father's threats aside ... WHERE WAS HE WHEN IT WAS TIME TO PONY UP for the BIRTHS of any of the 14? Where was HE when she was sucking up welfare, disability, food stamps, student loans, and so on. TAXPAYERS are owed MORE by his daughter --and THAT's a fact.
WHO IS HE TO threaten anyone -- he raised a narcissistic delusional wanna-be.

[Tamahome Jenkins]

This whole thing is stupid. Just let the woman be. I am SO tired of hearing about her. I think we've examined the mistakes Octomom made, more than we've examined our previous president's potential improprieties.

[A Concerned American]

Our courts system is a JOKE, plus a BIG waste of tax payers monies.

How can a court jude something only to have another court overturn?

Is there two courts systems in the US? One for the rich and one for the regular people. How did Jackson's mom get custody over her grandchildren instead of the mother?

Even after Americans vote in Calif. for no on 8, how can a court come in and want to change what WE voted for yes??

[mary]

I thought the 2 hour special was a really good way to see how fantastic this person is doing and how hard she is trying. Most of the people I meet are angered to be parents, want to get away from their kids because their jobs are what matters to them. Nadya, is cool, calm and collected even with fourteen children. It did seem to me that her mother is overly involved in a negative way and yet Nadya puts up with that. She believes in God and with that, I know she will make it to see her children become successful and healthy. She has very beautiful kids, and kids will be kids, so stop judging her and let her live her life. IF you have ever had a child in day care, it's usually one care taker with about 24 or 28 children, so why wouldn't she be able to handle fourteen?

[Jeff]

What was she thinking? She had a convoluted sense of logic when she got pregnant with the octuplets after having six already, most of them disabled to one or another degree of severity. Did she want to grow her own rugrats, oddly unlike her idol and doppelganger, Angelina Jolie? Her notion of food stamps(which, at one point, she dismissed as not really being on welfare)and student loans being enough to raise the 14 young'uns is a sheer flight of fantasy. As for whether an independent trust should be set aside for the kids, I think it's a good idea. (I can't imagine a judge would believe she's fully capable of tracking her outsized brood's finances.)

[Tom]

this sociopath is a train wreck coming.....poor kids, she complains about screwing up her life.....her selfishness and unhealthy need for attention will be the dowfall of theirs....

[Peaches]

Will the father of all those kids ever reveal himself? Probably not. Who would willingly step into the middle of that madness. Despite the help Suleman receives from nannies, it still appears to be an out-of-control household. Those poor children - what's going to become of them?

[Sandy Beech]

The best thing that could happen to these children is Octomom gets run over by a bus.

[id]

every day around the city, country, world, dads or even many moms, abuse their babies and children sexually, emotionally, physically and by neglect and cruelty.men are notorious for large scale absenteeism and for financially exploiting women by getting them to support and raise their kids without any contribution in any way.That is child abuse.Nadya has not done this but is trying despite the overwhelming and unmerited hate campaign to raise her kids in difficult circumstances.They seem very happy and normal and need time to adjust as do any kids in new circumstances and people need to get off these kids backs and let them grow up happily.the way you treat these kids or anyone else's now is the way you can expect to be treated back later.any regrets she now has are probably the result of the endless stupid attacks on her and her family which are hateful and unjustified.she chose to have 14 kids including octuplets, so what, leave her to get on with it.if you dont want someone to condemn your existence on this planet, your childrens or your mother, don't add to the condemnation of this woman. comared to the terrible parenting going on all the time in two parent families with 2 kids, let alone hers,as a specialist, i think she is doing outstandingly well and only needs encouragement and freedom from harassment, not unneccessary court cases and actions to undermine and disrepect her as a mom and as a person.if the state of california is so interested in child exploitation, every time suri cruise or malia or sasha obama do photo calls or appear on camera after hours, as they do they need to call their moms into court to insist on guardians and accounts to prevent child exploitation.can you explain to me why they are not being equally targeted if the legal principle applies the same for all?or everyone isnt equal before the law?this is the unjust hounding of one woman with children that is unjust and unfair in relation to all the hollywood children and others on tabloid spreads with their parents every week who are left in peace and allowed to thrive.Nadya and her brood should be left in peace to build their lives as happily and productively as they have definitely shown they can.people, get your own lives.

[Sara]

Actually, Mary, by California law, the ratio of child to caregiver in a child care center is 4:1 for infants up to 9 months, 6:1 to 27 months; 12:1 until 5 years of age, then it is 14:1. I highly recommend if you know of a place that has a ratio of 24 or 28 children to 1 caregiver, that you report that person or center to the proper authorities. Not to mention, even if that is the case, or for any of the legally allowed ratios, that is for up to 8 hours in a day. This woman has 14 children 24:7.
I think that she truly has a serious mental health issue, and the only party suffering at this point are her 14 children. It was clear in the documentary that aired, that they are already significantly and negatively affected by the constant chaos, noise, and lack of consistent structure. The older children all act out, and I agree with Karen Lee that they could well kill each other in the blink of an eye. I am sure the acting out not only comes from the insurgence of siblings, but from the cameras that Nadya now allows in the house.
Sure, Nadya may be doing the best she can, but it is a bad situation that she alone could have prevented. You can donate your frozen embryos to others who are seeking IVF; and I know she made it very clear how she feels about adoption, but she has put 14 lives in jeopardy now. All I can say now, is I hope CPS continues to stay closely involved; and that Nadya's mom continues to be strong enough to advocate for those children.

[savvydude]

Nadya is wallowing in all of this exposure, and is being paid for the privilege Here's thought: the California taxpayers footed the hospital delivery bill and continued care for all of these at-risk children. So, since Nadya chose this path she should be required to reimburse the taxpayers for the millions it is costing to enable her obsession.

The taxpayers didn't impregnate Nadya, so they shouldn't have to pay while she is cleaning up through exploitation.

[Spewie McDermott]

She should be locked-up with Harvey 'Phil' Spector so they could share hair care secrets...

[Karen Lee]

One can only pray the judge saw some of the footage from that expose. Anybody who ever bothered to defend this creature should take it back.
All the worst things anyone ever wrote about her that were so heinous couldn't begin to touch the surface of the chaotic H E L L she is forcing those 14 kids to endure. NOBODY is safe in that circus arena she calls a "home" -- the only one haunting it -- IS HER.
It is mothers LIKE HER who produce serial killers because the only reality those kids know is h e l l.
CPS: Get those kids out of her delusional sty. Or taxpayers, the criminal justice system --and a lot of OTHER innocent victims will be paying the price for the 14 she incubated. Every CA and federal taxpayer is on the hook for those 14 -- for LIFE.

[gail]

I had a bad opion of FOX showing this ...BEFORE.. I saw it. Now, I think they are trying to help the children. There was video that had been cut that showed..THE 3 YRD OLD ..KICKING...THE INFANTS TWICE WHILE THEY WERE LAYING ON THE GROUND HELPLESS!!!!

Another damming thing in there was the birth. Suleman sign an agreement to let such a dangerous birth be filmed even though her childs very lives and well being were at stake! The camera people were told over and over they were in the way, and instead of helping..they got downright nasty stating they had a contract! Octomom let them be exploited before they ever drew a breath.

As for the older ones...It is so obvious that they hate being filmed!

Why doesn't someone do something? Thank you FOX...all you can do is try...if no one in gov picks up the ball and runs with it after seeing that film...they never will and those kids are doomed!

[Willard]

Hollywood PLEASE stop the reality TV idiots on view and tying up all of the stations! You and the media are causing this country's dumbing down to spiral at breakneck speed into an abyss. Make it all go AWAY!!!!

[Vleeptron Dude]

I can't address the legalistic issues of the standing of the plaintiff in this case, but these children -- all 14 of them -- were born of the loopiest, most unstable mother imaginable, and as minors, are screaming for an independent guardian to protect them from reality show-biz exploitation. They should not be the subject of television "entertainment," and desperately need to be protected from the bizarre whims of their mother.

[Kelly]

This situation is disgusting and shame on FOX and CTV Canada for airing the documentary-I caught part of it but eventually turned it off.

She is mentally ill; totally disconnected from any reality; without empathy; LIES constantly; has no awareness of raising children; is attention seeking and HER CHILDREN ARE IN OBVIOUS DISTRESS!!! I couldn't bare to watch-it reminded me of the babies/children in Romania crowded together, and crying and she oblivious to anyone but the camera..

Please remove the infants CPS and adopt them out. PLEASE!!!!

[Hose]

Now that Ms. Nadya is raking in all this dough, why isnt the County trying to get our hard earned tax dollars back from her. The County should be as aggresive with her as they are with deadbeat dads.

[suzieQ]

Our tax dollares are supporting this octomom. I guess I should have 14 kids so I can stay home and have taxpayers support me.

[Doug Dolde]

Amazing how the government thinks it's God. Why interfere with this person's life?

[Love always wins]

I personally think Nadya is doing really well! Did you guys not read how in every pregnancy she had 6 eggs put in? Before the 8 came along the most she had from six eggs was one set of twins.

Although, I also think she should move out into the country and give those kids some room to roam, and learn a few responsibilities! I was taking the kitty box out when I was 5, my dad was driving tractors when he was 5! NO I wouldn't have any child doing that kind of stuff these days but I'd plant a garden and have them water it! How hard is that "Hey kids you guys want to go outside and play with the water hose for about an hour?" Tell me what kid is going to say no to that? Keeps them busy AND feeds them too!

All those people outside her home should leave! Yes, those kids are a little out of control for my taste, if it were me they get spanked... a whole bunch! Not hard swats but ones where they know they have to obey. I also feel not every person is capable of handling this with out going over board, so not everyone should spank their kids!

ALSO how many of you people could do HALF the job she is doing with soooo many people watching and judging you? When your pregnant you have so many hormones its not even funny. Women get post-partum depression after having just one baby! For Nadya to have had 8, and is doing really well with that PLUS being in the public eye.
The media coverage HAS and IS putting those kids in more danger then anything! Did you guys see how those people were trying to enter the garage? HELLO!!! Or the broken window? CPS is getting called for every little thing. That's outrageous! AND harassment! IF she was to what I think she should CPS would get a call almost everyday because of people being stupid. Everyone says "those kids are out of control" BUT if she were to use responsible discipline everyone would think she was a horrible person. Darned if you do darned if you don't!

Let her be! If you want to help, help. If you want to judge, keep it to yourself, unless you want the same exact treatment at your door 24/7.

And to Nadya, personally I think you should move your kids out of that area and into a less populated area. A populated area like that is no place for 14 kids and a mother to stay sane, you need a "quite" place. Somewhere that doens't have so many reporters and people watching your every move! Other then that, keep up the good work!

[mimigook]

I could only stand about 5 minutes of the show....those babies should be taken away and cared for people who wouldn't think of them as their personal meal tickets! Those kids don't have a chance in hell.

[Wendy]

Why are you defending Nadya? "she is doing the best she can" you say. The best for whom? Nadya? Children aren't like a hobby. "What was I thinking?" nadya states. She had plenty of time to hash it over, good advice came from her mother and father. What she was thinking is "A TV Show." "More Money" A life of wealth and luxury. Her older kids are clearly not well reared. Listen, kids not only need a structured environment with rules and a schedule to thrive, they need logic. Nadya is simply unlogical. She stated herself during earlier interviews with Dr. Phil that she has ADD. Those precious babies are being exposed to a war zone. One thing I am certain of, Nadya gets to escape from it and the babies do not.

This is all a pathetic mess and Nadya's "mistake" was monumental enough to not forgive her for it.

And what makes you think Nadya is the way she is when the cameras are gone? I highly doubt it. Calm? Oh please. The lady is mentally ill. The calm is her tuning out reality. Thank God, she has a mother who gives her unconditional love - the same woman Nadya displays disdain toward (and financially ruined); otherwise, the kids wouldn't have a fkn chance in this world where strength of character or lack of makes or breaks a person.

[Patti]

Women are so cruel against other women. Nadya is doing a fantastic job and the media and critics are so mean. She's very antimated and fun to watch---Don't be so critical.pelam@kc.rr.com

[v]

Mary you have a skewed perception of reality. Most people work to give their children the best of things. A happy parent= happy home. Also were do you get your day care ratios?

Age of Children Child: Staff Ratio/ Maximum Group Size
6 weeks - 9 months (4:1) 8
18 months (5:1) 10
27 months (6:1) 12
3 years - 5 years (10:1) 20
6 years - 7 years (12:1) 24
8 years - 9 years (12:1 or 15:1) 24/30
10 years and older (15:1) 30

[HJ]

workers in the real world care for more kids than this at a time trhoughout the day, irrespective of guidelines because they have to so you have a skewed grip of REALITY whatever lists of guidelines you like to spout.shcool teachers look after up to 30 kids, many with special needs and often without any help for much fo the time, or only one targeted child worker.fact. at home, as has always been the case - you all make your grandmothers turn in their graves coz they were doing large families bigger than nadyas, wihtout specifications and very successfully - its nothing if youre a chidl person with the gifting to do it, you may not be, but nadya can achieve this very well as she has shown - today, many women can and do take first rate care of large families of kids all over the world without this kind of state interference and hostility from jealous women who cannot do it and therefore feel very inadequate, its an ugly sight, inadequate women hating on this gal for what they cannot begin to cope with.