According to a recent report in the Whidbey News-Times, an Oak Harbor man tried to get a divorce by falsifying divorce documents with the court. Thomas Mayhew, a resident of Whidbey Island, located off of the Washington state coast, wanted to divorce his wife, but was afraid she would not consent to the request.
Instead of contacting an experienced matrimonial attorney, Mayhew took matters into his own hands by attempting to submit a divorce decree and parenting plan to the Island County Clerk’s Office. Two employees, including county clerk Debra Van Pelt spotted discrepancies in Mayhew’s paperwork. According to the police report, Mayhew mistakenly forged Van Pelt’s name instead of a judge’s on the documents. It was later discovered that Mayhew forged his wife’s signature, as well.
After a thorough investigation, police determined that Mayhew tried to fraudulently divorce his wife so he could marry his girlfriend in Las Vegas later that week. The man admitted to the crime, and is now being charged with felony counts of offering false instrument for filing or record, as well as forgery.
While Mayhew would not have been able to marry his girlfriend in a weekend Las Vegas ceremony as planned, he could have avoided the felony charges, as well as possible jail time, by contacting a matrimonial and family law attorney who is licensed to practice in Washington. The fear of a contested divorce should never lead a person to commit illegal acts of any kind, nor should it prevent a party from filing for divorce from their spouse. The lawyers at Brian D. Perskin & Associates have a combined 40+ years of experience in divorce and family law cases. Their knowledge of the law, along with their outstanding ability to adapt to a variety of cases and clients, makes them the ideal team to handle your legal issue. Contact the friendly staff at (718) 875-7584 to schedule a free consultation at our centrally located Brooklyn Heights office today!