NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND RESTITUTION Case Nos. 04-90-GA; 04-98-FA Notice Issued: January 31, 2005 Rhonda L. Couch, P 49555, Monroe, Michigan, by the Attorney Discipline Board Washtenaw County Hearing Panel #5.
1. Suspension - 1 Year 2. Effective January 29, 2005
The respondent was found to be in default for her failure to file an answer to the formal complaint or appear at the hearing. Based on that default, the panel found that respondent, in a divorce matter, failed to have the defendant served with the summons and complaint; and failed to prepare an order for temporary spousal support following the Friend of the Court=s recommendation; knowingly misrepresented to her client that her divorce was final and a judgment of divorce had been enters; knowingly misrepresented to her client that she would receive one-half of her husband=s military pension; failed to communicate with her client after August 2002; and abandoned her client=s matter. The panel also found that respondent failed to file an answer to a request for investigation or the formal complaint served upon her by the Grievance Administrator.
Respondent=s conduct was in violation MCR 9.014(A)(1)-(4) and (7); MCR 9.113(A) and (B)(2); and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1(c); 1.2(a); 1.3; 1.4(a); 8.1(a)(2); and 8.4(a)-(c).
The hearing panel ordered that respondent=s license be suspended for 1 year and that she pay restitution in amount of $600.00. Costs were assessed in the total amount of $1,779.02.