LAWIN.news
  • Home
  • About Lawin
  • Community Events
  • Livestream
  • Faces & Voices
  • Podcasts
    • Legal Treats
    • Teacher Talk
    • Pink Table Talk
    • Be Bold. Why Not.
    • Commissary Kitchen
    • Beyond Health & Wellness
CONTACT US
  • Texas
  • Austin
  • Dallas Fort Worth
  • Houston
  • San Antonio
  • Rio Grande
  • United States
  • Around the Globe
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Politics
09/24/2025

Stay Informed and Engaged with LAWIN.news—Your Updated Daily News Source for Filipino-Americans in Texas

ADVERTISE WITH LAWIN
09/24/2025
LAWIN.news

Judge orders over $1M in damages for families in Houston surrogacy escrow case

by LAWIN.news July 23, 2025
written by LAWIN.news July 23, 2025
Web Photo
68

HOUSTON, Texas — A Harris County judge has awarded more than $1 million to families affected by the sudden collapse of a Houston-based surrogacy escrow company that withheld critical funds from clients worldwide.

Judge Donna Roth signed a partial judgment last week that orders Dominique Side, the former owner of Surrogacy Escrow Account Management (SEAM), and the company to pay $1,045,158.24. The ruling follows accusations that Side diverted more than $16 million from intended parents to support her rap music career and lavish lifestyle.

SEAM held funds meant for surrogate payments but abruptly ceased operations in 2023. The closure left intended parents without access to money and, in some cases, forced them to abandon their surrogacy plans.

Attorney Marianne Robak, who represents several affected families, described the judgment as a meaningful win but said it marks only one phase of a lengthy legal fight.

The civil lawsuit also names Side’s business partner, Anthony Hall, and their music production company as co-defendants. Plaintiffs claim the two spent surrogacy funds on Side’s music career under the name “Dom,” as well as on luxury vacations, designer clothing, and a music studio in Houston’s Spring Branch area.

The court placed an injunction to freeze assets tied to Side and SEAM. Lawyers expect the court to use those assets to compensate victims, though the timeline for any disbursement remains uncertain.

The FBI confirmed it launched a federal criminal investigation into Side. While agents have not released details to protect the investigation, they urged individuals with information to submit it through the FBI’s “Seeking Victims” online form.

In June 2024, SEAM sent clients an email citing banking issues and warning of delayed surrogate payments. Shortly afterward, the company shut down its accounts and set up auto-responses indicating a federal investigation was underway. Under legal counsel’s advice, Side has not commented publicly.

Robak said her team continues to uncover financial records and present evidence to the court. She acknowledged the difficulty of tracing misappropriated funds but reaffirmed the goal of returning money to the rightful owners.

photo credit: Fox 26 Houston
Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
LAWIN.news

LAWIN.news is your trusted source for timely, relevant, and comprehensive news coverage. With a commitment to delivering the latest updates on local, national, and global events, LAWIN.news provides in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive stories that matter to you. Our dedicated team ensures that each report is thoroughly researched and presented with clarity and integrity. Stay informed and engaged with LAWIN.news—where every story counts. Disclaimer: The views and beliefs expressed by the author do not necessarily represent those of LAWIN.news, its management, editorial board, or staff.

previous post
Texas legislature targets Kerr County sirens in post‑flood bill
next post
Fort Worth ISD rolls out cell phone ban under statewide mandate

You may also like

Texas families seek court order to halt Ten Commandments displays in schools

September 23, 2025

Costly illegal dumping in Houston prompts stronger clean-up push

September 23, 2025

District Clerk of Harris County to step down after pay hike bid is tabled

September 23, 2025

Electrolit establishes new U.S. headquarters in historic Houston landmark

September 22, 2025

Victoria quilt shop gives 1,000 quilts as ‘Hugs From Texas’ to flood survivors

September 21, 2025

D4vd calls off concerts as authorities probe girl’s death

September 21, 2025

Recent Posts

  • Supreme Court orders DepEd to vacate Cagayan property, favors original landowner
  • When a DNA test changes your immigration status
  • Singing Sainz embraces ‘life lesson’ on historic Baku podium
  • Bexar County’s BiblioTech rallies readers to help break world record
  • Trump set to address U.N., meet global leaders on sidelines

Recent Comments

  1. Texas and the Philippines Economic Collaboration: APECO and PACCTX-GHR meet at PCG in Houston - Bagong APECO on Texas – Philippines Economic Collaboration: APECO and PACCTX-GHR Meet at PCG in Houston

Recent Posts

  • Supreme Court orders DepEd to vacate Cagayan property, favors original landowner

    September 23, 2025
  • When a DNA test changes your immigration status

    September 23, 2025
  • Singing Sainz embraces ‘life lesson’ on historic Baku podium

    September 23, 2025
  • Bexar County’s BiblioTech rallies readers to help break world record

    September 23, 2025
  • Trump set to address U.N., meet global leaders on sidelines

    September 23, 2025

Stay Updated!

Get the new articles and photos.

LAWIN.news

Providing high-quality news stories that matters to its readers. It’s core mission is “Stay informed and engaged with LAWIN.news—where every story counts.”

  • P.O. Box 20561 Houston, Texas 77225
  • Email Address: neska@mylawin.com
  • Support: helpdesk@mylawin.com

About Links

  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Compliance
  • Media Relations
  • Advertise With Us
  • Corporate Information
  • Apps & Products

Useful Links

  • Privacy Policy
  • Data Tracking
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Personal Information
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Login | Register Account

Newsletter

Get the new articles and photos.

Latest News

Trump set to address U.N., meet global leaders on sidelines
Medical experts refute Trump’s claims linking Tylenol to autism
SAWS files lien vs apartment complex with $93K+ debt
Texas families seek court order to halt Ten Commandments displays in schools

@2025 – All Right Reserved. Made with ❤️ by myVATA.co

Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Youtube
LAWIN.news
  • Home
  • About Lawin
  • Community Events
  • Livestream
  • Faces & Voices
  • Podcasts
    • Legal Treats
    • Teacher Talk
    • Pink Table Talk
    • Be Bold. Why Not.
    • Commissary Kitchen
    • Beyond Health & Wellness
LAWIN.news
  • Home
  • About Lawin
  • Community Events
  • Livestream
  • Faces & Voices
  • Podcasts
    • Legal Treats
    • Teacher Talk
    • Pink Table Talk
    • Be Bold. Why Not.
    • Commissary Kitchen
    • Beyond Health & Wellness
@2024 - All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by myVATA.co