Opinion ID: 1335128
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Divorce Matter

Text: Respondent represented a client (Wife) in a divorce matter filed in 1999. Respondent was directed by the trial judge to draft a proposed qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) regarding the court-ordered share of Wife's draw from the retirement account of her husband (Husband). The order was signed by the judge and opposing counsel and filed in 2000. Respondent furnished a copy of the order to Husband's retirement plan administrator. The administrator notified respondent by letter that the terms of the order allowed payment to Wife only if Husband terminated his employment, but had no provision for his retirement or death. The administrator also asked respondent if the terms of the order were intended to limit Wife's payout. Respondent did not respond to the letter and took no action to correct the order. In 2005, respondent received notice that Husband had retired. At that time, respondent amended the QDRO and submitted it to opposing counsel. When respondent did not receive the signed order back from opposing counsel, he forged the signatures of opposing counsel and the judge and filed the order with the clerk of court in April 2006. The forged order was submitted to Husband's retirement plan administrator in May 2006. Husband became aware of the order and contacted counsel. Husband's counsel contacted respondent and submitted a consent order vacating the amended QDRO. The judge issued an order finding the QDRO was a forgery and vacating it. Ultimately, a duly executed amended QDRO was filed and accepted and Wife is now receiving the benefits to which she is entitled.