Mudge
Madison County Circuit Judge William Mudge is set to hear the settlement of a suit over a man's retirement savings and the aid his wife allegedly failed to give him when he fell in the couple's bathtub.
In the meantime, plaintiff Thomas Dodd is also asking the judge to compel his soon to be ex-wife of more than 20 years, Carol Dodd, to hand over financial statements and other documents that are needed to push the settlement through.
The hearing is set today at 9 a.m.
Thomas Dodd filed suit against his wife, Ameren Services Company and the Granite City Steel Federal Credit Union in 2008.
Thomas Dodd claims that Carol Dodd left him for days without food, water or help after he fell in the bathtub of the couple's home.
He then claims that his wife forged his signature to take over $180,000 in his retirement savings from Ameren and to open accounts for the money at the credit union.
The couple filed for divorce in 2007.
Ameren and the credit union filed counterclaims against Carol Dodd.
After taking over the case from former Madison County Circuit Judge Daniel Stack, Mudge ordered the parties to mediation.
That mediation took place Jan. 7 with mediator Michael Constance, and a settlement was reached.
If Mudge approves that settlement, Thomas Dodd will be awarded more than $180,000 in retirement savings that are currently in an escrow account at the Bank of Edwardsvillle.
He will also get $10,000 in emotional distress damages.
The couple will split their remaining assets 50/50.
According to his Jan. 26 motion, Thomas Dodd alleges that his attorney, Thomas Burkart, has attempted to get bank statements and other financial documents needed for the settlement from Carol Dodd.
Her attorney, Alexander Wilson, has allegedly refused to comply with the requests, according to the motion.
Thomas Dodd asks Mudge to order Carol Dodd and Wilson to produce the documents within five days of the court's order.
Burkart represents Thomas Dodd.
Wilson represents Carol Dodd.
James Craney represents the credit union.
Gary Meadows represents Ameren.
Madison County Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder also formerly oversaw the suit.
The case is Madison case number 08-L-606.