A case involving estate planning in another state has made national headlines due to its bizarre nature. It seems that many are watching every move of a millionaire who is being sued for wrongful death after a car crash.

The man is being sued by the parents of a 23-year-old man, claiming he is responsible for their son's death. He allegedly left the scene of a car crash while the young man drowned in a nearby canal in February 2010.

In a rather bold move recently, the 48-year-old man adopted his girlfriend, who is only six years younger, so that she could be a beneficiary of a trust set up for his own children. The trust is worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

He says he made the move so that he could combat the company that controls the trust. He is facing up to 30 years in prison on DUI manslaughter charges, so theoretically he would not be around to fight the company.

The move stunned and angered many, including those suing him. Earlier this month, they asked a judge to block the sale of a 1,700-acre property that would benefit the trust.

Ironically, the adoption might actually benefit the couple suing the man. Jurors will be allowed to know of the trust, which could prompt them to force the man to pay millions of dollars in punitive damages, according to the Palm Beach Post.

The trial is set to begin in late March, and the press is sure to follow its twists and turns every step of the way.

Source: Palm Beach Post, "Parents of Scott Wilson want to block sale of 1,700-acre Texas parcel in Goodman kids' trust," Jane Musgrave, Feb. 6, 2012