Home : Anna Nicole Smith : Anna's Mom Lawyers Up

Anna's Mom Lawyers Up

Posted Feb 13th 2007 2:48PM by TMZ Staff

Virgie Arthur and Larry BirkheadTMZ has learned Anna Nicole Smith's mother has hired a Florida lawyer to get Anna's body released for burial.

We've confirmed that Virgie Arthur has hired Coral Gables attorney Stephen Tunstall to secure the body. But there's a catch: There are two outstanding California court orders preventing burial. A judge has put a hold on the release of the body; a second order demands a DNA sample from Smith.

We're told Larry Birkhead's lawyer, Debra Opri, will ask a Miami court to "domesticate" both orders from the California court. If granted, the orders would have full force and effect in Florida. We're told Opri is making the requests in Florida today and tomorrow.

But there's a twist. We're told Birkhead has no objections to releasing the body, provided he gets a DNA sample sent to the lab he selected. For some reason, we're told Stephen Tunstall has not agreed to release the DNA to Birkhead's lab.

TMZ spoke with Tunstall, who said "I have been retained by Virgie. I do not wish to have any contact with anybody in the media."

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1. Virgie Arthur is a disgusting pig.

Posted at 3:24PM on Feb 13th 2007 by Jen Jolie

2. This lady is way too much! Her daughter said it on National T>V she can't stand this woman! and any Judge witht he right mind won't give her body to her! My gosh!

Posted at 3:24PM on Feb 13th 2007 by twinks!

3. THIS IS SO EXCITING!

Posted at 3:44PM on Feb 13th 2007 by angellovef

4. This woman needs to crawl back under the rock that she came out from.

What she is doing absolutely makes me sick!

Posted at 3:09PM on Feb 13th 2007 by Angela

5. I just hope that icky woman has enough compassion for Anna and Daniel to let them be buried together.. I honestly think that will be the ONLY place Anna will be able to rest in peace....

Posted at 3:08PM on Feb 13th 2007 by savanna

6. I'm predicting the involvement of another a few more attorneys before this is done...we still need one for her sister, one for her aunt, one for Howard's family, one for her best friend, one for Shane Gibson, one for Prince Asshalt, one for the former bodyguard, one for Mr. and Mrs. Trim Spa as they defend against Trim Spa lawsuits and probably a suit from China (oh, and one for China), one for the dead husband's sperm (I'm sure it needs someone to speak for it).

And maybe Ron Rale and Debra Opri can hire their own counsel. I'm sure they're bound to get into trouble with someone in one of these places soon.

Posted at 4:38PM on Feb 13th 2007 by Michele

7. How absurd! You now Anna wanted to be buried next to her son Daniel. She hates her mother. What a nightmare.

Posted at 3:09PM on Feb 13th 2007 by becky

8. HOPE ANNA'S MOM CAN BURY HER CHILD IN PEACE.

Remember to her family she is still VickLynn Hogan. That's how they remember her. And I pray Anna's mom can peacfully raise Dannilynn. I can't really imagine the Mom going off on a shopping spree. I think she's really sincere.

After all, this is also her child.

Posted at 3:10PM on Feb 13th 2007 by praying 4 u

9. Mama is an opportunistic manipulator just like her deceased daughter. How tacky. The woman hasn't even been buried yet.

Posted at 3:15PM on Feb 13th 2007 by Debra

10. Figures She would lawyer Up she claims she dont want any of Anna's money but She would take the body. Of course after all said and done I hope Anna's child father is release to the public and the Child can start having a life of some sorts And I hope it isnt Howard cause I feel he had something to do with the murders of Daneil and Anna. And if he is the father Lord have mercy on her cause he would gain control of the money she inhearited untill she was 18 but dont be shocked if she dont make it to 18 and left it all to howard all of the sudden this is how I see it HKS isnt just his Initials It stands for HOWARD KILLED THE SMITHS!!

Posted at 3:42PM on Feb 13th 2007 by Stevidtude

11. Anna's Mom, Virgie should go home and shut up!!!. Anna was very troubled and had a lot of issues as a result of her turbulent childhood. There is something WRONG with this woman. Anna would not have HATED her so much, if she were in fact a loving parent. She should not be able to touch Anna's baby as she raised Anna who maintained self destructive habits because of her mental instability. This Mother should be tried and sentenced for being an unfit parent. Did she not watch the interviews where Anna clearly state dthat she DESPISED HER!!!!!!!

Posted at 3:15PM on Feb 13th 2007 by VoodooQueen

12. This makes my stomache curdle. Woman you are a blood sucking money grubbing ass clown. Vergie you were not a part of Anna Nicole's life when she was alive why would you be apart of it now and who is fianancing your love for Anna. If I am not mistaken it is ABC . You spew venom from your mouth about your daughter in life and death and in her time of need at the loss of her son saying terrible things about your daughter and now you want to claim her body. You are dispicable.

Posted at 3:43PM on Feb 13th 2007 by Candee in PA.

13. Anna's mother just needs to back off. First of all, she wants the publicity. She's gonna sell a bunch of interview with her about Anna's death so she can get the $$$. Anna hated her, let the people who really mattered to her work it out!

Posted at 3:14PM on Feb 13th 2007 by meee

14. Oh great. Yes, have her raise Dannielynn. This is the same woamn who RAISED VickyLynn. At least she already has the trailer park name.

The woman should bury Anna in a ditch and Larry should get Daniel's kid.

Posted at 3:15PM on Feb 13th 2007 by BJ

15. I'm glad Vergie is moving forward in securing burial for her daughter. However, I'm sure if Anna had her wishes, she would want to hang out for as long as the publicity "hangs on". Three days or seven days folks is tops, put her in the ground already!!!! Will someone tell James Brown's family the same!!! Gawd! That being said, Larry truly does need to get DNA from the people he recommends, because at this point, I don't trust the autopsy report that was given to the public via TV; certainly after what TMZ reported what was in her fridge. Her fridge certainly does not look like my fridge. If you're not using, why carry?

Posted at 3:20PM on Feb 13th 2007 by JR

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