Opinion ID: 1317330
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Robert R. Forbes, Jr. Matter

Text: Respondent represented Robert R. Forbes, Jr. in an ongoing domestic action. As part of that action, Forbes was ordered to make child support and alimony payments. Forbes' current wife and her father wanted Forbes to file suit to reduce or eliminate these payments. To help Forbes appease his family, respondent signed a letter, which he asserts he did not read, addressed to Forbes' former employer. This letter indicated that respondent had filed a motion in family court about the alimony and child support payments, that an order terminating these payments was being signed, and that the letter was to serve as a waiver of the garnishment of Forbes' wages. Respondent admits that these statements contained in the letter were false. In addition, respondent signed a letter that was faxed to Forbes' father-in-law. Again, respondent asserts he did not read this letter that indicated Forbes had complied with all his alimony and child support obligations and a signed order to that effect was forthcoming. Respondent also admits that these statements contained in the letter were false. On September 7, 1997, respondent and his paralegal Amanda Stavely prepared what purported to be the Family Court order referred to in the letters. Respondent traced the signature of a member of this Court, Justice Jean Hoefer Toal, from a copy of the Advance Sheets onto the signature block of the order. After the forgery was discovered, respondent and his mother met with Justice Toal and members of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. At that meeting, respondent stated that Stavely prepared the order and that she traced Justice Toal's signature onto the signature block of the order. Respondent now admits this was a false statement, made at the urging of his mother and Stavely.