Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Wife committing fraud?

I have a situation that is similar to another posting on this site. I am presently going through a divorce and recently discovered that my wife applied for and has been receiving welfare benefits for herself and her child(my stepchild). For a period of four months she has been receiving a monthly stipend, food stamp money and has qualified for Medicare.

The issue is that she and her son are and have been living in my house (she does not pay for any rent, utilities, etc). I support her son entirely � food, clothing, school costs, etc. I support her to a small extent with food, and of course her basic living expenses are covered (including a health club membership). She and her son are both on my medical and dental coverage.

I do know the following: she listed a false address as her primary residence (a friend�s address), she did not put my income on the welfare forms, she did not put information on the forms regarding any support she was receiving from me or the support I was providing to her son and she did not put the medical coverage information on the forms.

Is this welfare fraud?

Am I at risk here, even though I did not participate and was not aware of it? If this is not welfare fraud, why is not considered fraud?


Asked on 5/01/06, 1:48 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Wife committing fraud?

You are at risk to the extent that, if you do nothing, the DA will shortly be serving you pleadings that demand repayment of the benefits she has drawn. You should get counsel now, rather than later, to set the record straight and avoid that legal action against you. Contact me if interested in doing this right.

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Answered on 5/01/06, 3:17 pm


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