| Description: |
Robert Kuvara (WSBA No. 3603, admitted 1963), of Kent, was disbarred effective April 24, 2003, by order of the Washington State Supreme Court, following a hearing. This discipline was based on his conduct from 1990 through 1999 involving a deed of trust. For more information please see In re Kuvara, 149 Wn.2d. 237, 66 P.3d 1057 (2003).
In 1982, Mr. Kuvara agreed to probate the estate of Mr. H., a police officer killed in the line of duty. The estate contained a piece of real property in California. Mr. Kuvara contacted California lawyers, but the property was never actually transferred to the widow, Ms. H.
In 1990, Ms. H sold the property to her sister in law. Ms. H and the purchaser asked Mr. Kuvara to provide documentation of the transfer, but he did not respond to these requests.
In January 1998, Ms. H went to Mr. Kuvara’s office to sign the documents to formally transfer the property to her sister. When Ms. H arrived a quitclaim deed was prepared listing Mr. H. as the grantor. Ms. H signed her dead husband’s name to the deed. Mr. Kuvara notarized the signature. The deed was recorded in March 1999.
In early 1999, the sister in law received an offer to purchase the property and contacted an escrow agent. The agent found the deed and knew it was a forgery because Mr. H died 16 years before the deed was signed. Ms. H and the sister contacted Mr. Kuvara about the false signature, but he failed to respond. The sale of the property was finally completed in November 1999.
Mr. Kuvara’s conduct violated RPCs 8.4(b), prohibiting committing a criminal act that reflects adversely on a lawyer’s honesty, trustworthiness or fitness as a lawyer in other respects (by violating RCW 9A.60.020 [forgery], RCW 9A.60.050 [false certification], RCW 42.44.106 [notarial misconduct], and RCW 9A.76.175 [false statement by public servant];8.4(c), prohibiting engaging in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation; and 8.4(d), prohibiting conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
Kathy A. Cochran and Joanne Abelson represented the Bar Association. Leland Ripley represented Mr. Kuvara. Marc Silverman was the Hearing Officer.
|