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John Goodman. (CNN/PALM BEACH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE)

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Updated: Thursday, 02 Feb 2012, 11:35 AM EST
Published : Thursday, 02 Feb 2012, 11:35 AM EST

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A wealthy Florida polo club founder has adopted his adult girlfriend as part of a legal battle stemming from a fatal 2010 car crash.

Court records show International Polo Club Palm Beach founder John Goodman legally adopted 42-year-old Heather Laruso Hutchins. Hutchins says the couple has been dating since 2009.

Attorneys for the family of a man killed in the car crash tell the Palm Beach Post the adoption is an attempt by Goodman to shield assets in a trust from potential lawsuit damages. Goodman's lawyer says it's aimed at ensuring the future stability of his assets.

Goodman also faces criminal DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide and other charges in the crash that killed 23-year-old Scott Patrick Wilson. Goodman has pleaded not guilty. The criminal trial is March 6.

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Information from: The Palm Beach Post, http://www.pbpost.com