refund request from wrongful spouse

[jmc]

H & W e-filed MFJ for 2007 returns. H signed Form 8879 for W without her authorization. Then, H deposited a big refund check to his account and cashed, even though their written agreement says that refund money has to go to W. The refund was mostly from W's withholdings. After that, they filed Divorce Agreement.
What would be the simplest and cost effective way for W to receive the refund money from IRS?

[BOB W]

H & W e-filed MFJ for 2007 returns. H signed Form 8879 for W without her authorization. Then, H deposited a big refund check to his account and cashed, even though their written agreement says that refund money has to go to W. The refund was mostly from W's withholdings. After that, they filed Divorce Agreement.
What would be the simplest and cost effective way for W to receive the refund money from IRS?

IRS is going to walk away from this. Her issue is with her attorney.

[ED SMITH]

The issue is the H falsified W's signature, which is a criminal act. I don't know what the remedy is, but I would start with the local district attorney, as the same was probably done with the state 8879.

[jimmcg]

Bob is right. This is a civil matter not a tax matter. Options are to pursue it in civil court or to hire someone to make him an offor he cannot refuse. See which is the most cost effective.