Joint Checks endorsed by one party only

undefinedWhat is the name of your state?

Washington State

Although still married, my wife and I are living apart.
My wife has endorsed three Federal refund checks with HER signature only and deposit them in HER bank account.
These are joint checks and require both signatures.
I obtained a copy of these checks.
1. Is this prosecutable?
2. What is the bank liability to accept checks signed by one party only?

1) Is this IRS tax refund check ?
2) The check was made out to both you and your wife ? Sometimes, even though it's a joint return, IRS may print only one name - so double check
3) Since you said you have a copy of the check, can you see if her name is the only endorsement one on the back ?
4) Is your name on HER account ?
5) Does she have an account at a regular bank ? Or is this a credit union ?
6) How did you obtain copies of these checks after they were cashed ? Or do you mean, you had made copies before your wife deposited the checks ?

You can dispute this with IRS - call them and they will send you a form to file a complaint.

Did you obtain a copy of the BACK of the checks so you can actually see how she endorsed it? If you didn't, then ask the bank to provide you a copy of the back--they will usually cooperate.

Have you asked her for half of the money and has she refused to give it to you?