broker signs wife's name to legal papers

[schmjan]

What is the name of your state? Wisconsin
My hasband is the branch manager of a large investment firm. He recently left me and our daughters. As I was searching for documents, etc. which my lawyer needs for the divorce, I discovered that my husband has been signing my name to legal documents. One document gave him the right to switch our joint account from his old firm to his new job at the new firm. The second document gave him total control to make decisions, trades, withdrawals, etc. without my permission. Two of the other documents authorized him to take $1300 and $1800 out of our joint account and put it in his inheritance account (which I cannot touch). He now says that this money was used to build a cabin up north to replace the old one. (This was also an inheritance.) I had no knowledge that he was signing my name and no knowledge that these papers even existed and needed my name. His defense is that he is a stockbroker and the manager of the branch so even though it probably wasn't "proper" procedure, that there is nothing illegal and that he would never lose his license because I am his wife and he wasn't doing anything maliciously. Is he right?

 

[JETX]

Probably not. What does YOUR lawyer say to this?

 

[schmjan]

My lawyer says he wants to concentrate on the preliminary maintenance agreement at this time. He's more concerned (as he should be) with getting me as much in the divorce as I'm entitled to. I'm looking ahead to see if I can sue my "ex" husband and his company. Looking at the papers he put my name to, it is obvious to anyone that he signed my name. He wrote my first name like a 3rd grader would and then wrote the last name absolutely identical to his. I feel that the person at the main office who received these letters was negligent in not questioning these signatures. At this time, my lawyer doesn't want to put the "cart before the horse" so he's very vague about my chances for a lawsuit.

 

[HomeGuru]

I say get him for fraud and forgery.

 

[vrzirn]

Rescind all the POA's via certified mail, at once. Have your attorney go to court, at once, and put a freeze on the trading of the joint account. Contact the legal department of the company and make them aware of the circumstances. Send them a letter.
When the time arrives to look at the "bottom line", provide your attorney with all the documentation regarding your share of the money husband took.. It can be moved to your side of the ledger in the final settlement.
Spouses, or soon to be ex-spouses, frequently try to sneak away assets. A civil suit will only cause you more grief and expense. Keep good records, limit the damage and get the money back later in the settlement.
Good luck.