In 1991, Goodman created a trust for his children that started with $1.5 million. He has grown that trust to be worth more than $100 million. Clauses that are in the conditions of the trust stipulates that the fund cannot be taken from until the beneficiary is 35. Both of Goodman's biological children are currently teenagers.
Scott Wilson, 23, was on his way home on February 12, 2010, to spend Saturday with his sister for her birthday. He had traveled from his Orlando apartment to Wellington and was on the last leg of his journey when, at 1a.m. Friday morning, his car was struck by Goodman's Bentley speeding through a stop sign. The crash flipped Wilson's car into a roadside canal. Goodman fled the scene on foot, leaving Wilson's submerged car in the canal. Scott Wilson died from drowning.
Scott's parents filed a wrongful death suit against Goodman that is scheduled for late this March. Goodman will also be on trial by the state for vehicular homicide under the claim that Goodman's blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit. This will also take place in March. Other charges include driving under the influence manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident, which could incur 30 years in prison.
In October of 2011, Goodman privately adopted his girlfriend of three years and only six years his junior as his daughter. Heather Hutchins in now legally his daughter. This entitles Hutchins to one-third of the children's trust now because she exceeds 35 years old.
On Feb. 2, Goodman's attorney issued a statement clarifying the reason for the highly unusual action. According to attorney Daniel Bachi, this was a move made to insure the security of his children's trust after he had given management of the fortune to Bessemer Trust Company. Apparent mismanagement of the trust had led to the level of "intangible value to the children." The adoption of Hutchins included contract responsibility of Hutchins to grow and preserve the trust for his biological children.
