I have a friend who took a life insurance policy out on her husband what do you think about this?

Okay, a good pal of mine -- to make a long story short took a life insurance policy out on her husband and "signed his name". She thinks it's "not hurting anyone", but the main and only thing I'd like to know is legally, if she's ever found out later, can she get into trouble for doing this?
I guess "he did a lot of awful things to her in the past" and she wants to make sure she's financially taken care of for the day he passes over. YEs, of course it is not right, i agree w/u.
HOWEVER how would/could she ever be found out. How does one get caught doing this sort of thing? I thought I'd pass on an answer or two from a post(s) to let her know if it's possible she could later get into legal trouble

It is clear that a wife has an insurable interest in the life of her husband. Valid forms of insurable interest include being a spouse, being financially dependent on the person, or situations where there is joint ownership of real property or a business.

It is probably unlikely that anybody will find out about the forgery of the husband's name on the policy. HOWEVER, I can venture to say that the wife could have signed her own name on the policy application without any problem because she has an insurable interest in the life of a husband.

You may want to consult with an attorney in your particular state about this matter.

Yes, she forged the guys name, therefore it is classed as fraud.

I can understand why she would do this, but it is not legal. If it's many years before he dies, likely she won't ever be found out. If he should die within a couple of years or under suspicious circumstances, insurance policies are one of the things looked at for motives and the policy probably won't stand up to scrutiny.

Forgery of a signature is a felony. So, she can certainly get into legal trouble for doing this. Furthermore, this isn't very ethical. There are other, moral and legal approaches to resolving these issues.

She could get found out if something comes in the mail and he opens it, or the insurance agent makes a service call, etc.

I would say yes, she could get into legal trouble, as forgery is illegal. I don't know if this could get classified as insurance fraud on top of a forgery charge, but I don't see why it wouldn't be possible.

Well, forgery is a crime, and if her husband ever dies of unnatural causes, guess who's going to be the first suspect.

HOWEVER, that being said, if her husband wouldn't get a policy, then finanacially speaking, she should have one to protect her, especially if he supports her. I do think there's a way for her to do that w/o forging his name.

A lot of wives sign things for thier husbands. If this is a usual practice and he has given her "permission" to sign his name on things, either by tacit agreement or by long standing arrangement, then don't overreact. I sign my husband's name all the time, and he knows it and lets me. You can give someone permission to sign your name and it's perfectly legal. Then, it's a fiduciary duty issue. Is she abusing her permission and power?

IF THE HUSBAND IS FOUND DEAD YOU KNOW WHO KILLED HIM

Well, My wife signs my check and cashes it. Will she get into trouble. No! But!! If I then make a complaint about it then she could very well get into trouble. Same with the Insurance. If no one complains then no one will get into trouble. the insurance compamy assumes the husband gave permission. ... ( Note: The bank does know about are arrangement....Not sure about his/her insurance company )

As above posters have correctly indicated, it is forgery and fraud and should he pass, if an investigator inquired and found out the facts, the most she would be entitle to would be her premiums for the life insurance, not the actual policy, and would likely be charged criminally for her misdeeds.