I have never encountered this problem. However, it sounds as if the sim is glitched.
I would first try resetsim Jane Smith. To do this, open the console Ctrl/shift/C and type - resetsim followed by the sim's name. Press enter.
If this does not work, try evicting your family, then returning them from the clipboard to their former home? This frequently fixes bugged sims.
Finally. do you have CC? Have you tried a factory reset?