Influencer Lena the Plug Claims Stalker Filed Fake Divorce Petition Using Forged Signature and $435 Court Fee
On June 4, 2026, influencer Lena the Plug publicly denied filing for divorce from podcast host Adam22, claiming an alleged stalker submitted forged court documents in her name. The fraudulent filing included a forged signature and a $435 filing fee paid by check from a man previously identified by police during wellness checks at the couple's California home. This case highlights serious vulnerabilities in California's divorce filing system and raises questions about identity verification in family court proceedings.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| What happened | Divorce petition filed in Lena the Plug's name without her consent |
| When | June 4, 2026 |
| Where | California Superior Court |
| Filing fee paid | $435 by personal check |
| Alleged perpetrator | Man previously flagged during police wellness checks |
| Current status | Documents rejected and returned to Lena's mailbox |
California Courts Do Not Verify Identity When Accepting Divorce Filings
California's family court system operates on an honor system for document submissions. Under Cal. Fam. Code § 2330, any person can file a petition for dissolution of marriage by submitting the required forms and paying the $435 filing fee. The court clerk's office does not verify the identity of the person signing the petition, nor does it require in-person appearance or government-issued identification at the time of filing.
This procedural gap creates opportunities for fraud. The California Judicial Council reported that family courts processed over 140,000 dissolution petitions in 2025. While most filings are legitimate, cases involving forged signatures or unauthorized filings do occur. When a fraudulent petition is discovered, the victimized party must take affirmative legal action to have it dismissed and expunged from court records.
The rejected documents Lena found in her mailbox suggest the court may have identified irregularities before the case was officially opened. However, even a rejected filing can create a paper trail that affects the parties involved, potentially appearing in background checks or public records searches until formally addressed.
Forging Court Documents in California Constitutes Multiple Felonies
Filing a forged divorce petition exposes the perpetrator to serious criminal liability under California law. Cal. Penal Code § 470 defines forgery as signing another person's name or falsifying a legal document with intent to defraud. Forgery is a wobbler offense in California, meaning prosecutors can charge it as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances.
Felony forgery carries a sentence of 16 months to 3 years in California state prison. When the forged document is filed with a court, additional charges may apply under Cal. Penal Code § 115, which criminalizes offering a forged instrument to be filed or recorded. This offense is a straight felony punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment.
The alleged stalker's prior contact with law enforcement during wellness checks may strengthen any criminal case. Police documentation of previous concerning behavior establishes a pattern that prosecutors often use to demonstrate intent and premeditation.
How California Law Addresses Fraudulent Divorce Filings
Victims of fraudulent divorce filings have several legal remedies available under California law. The first step is filing a motion to dismiss the fraudulent petition under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 473, which allows courts to set aside judgments or orders obtained through fraud or mistake. This motion must be filed within a reasonable time after discovering the fraud, typically within 6 months.
If any orders were entered based on the fraudulent filing, such as temporary restraining orders or property freezes, victims can seek emergency relief to vacate those orders. California courts have inherent authority to void judgments obtained through extrinsic fraud, meaning fraud that prevented the victimized party from participating in the proceeding.
Victims should also request that the court seal or expunge records related to the fraudulent filing. While family court records are generally confidential in California, the existence of a dissolution case can appear in certain database searches. A court order expunging the case removes this potential source of confusion or reputational harm.
Adam22's Public Celebration Creates Separate Legal Considerations
According to TMZ's reporting, Adam22 publicly celebrated his supposed split on Instagram, posting about his "freedom" before Lena revealed the filing was fraudulent. This public response raises interesting questions about spousal communication and social media conduct during marital disputes.
California is a no-fault divorce state under Cal. Fam. Code § 2310, meaning neither party needs to prove wrongdoing to obtain a divorce. However, public statements made during the dissolution process can become relevant in proceedings involving spousal support, child custody, or property division. Social media posts are routinely admitted as evidence in California family courts.
The couple's apparent reconciliation after the fraud was discovered does not erase the digital record of Adam22's public statements. Should the couple eventually pursue a legitimate divorce, these posts could potentially be referenced in future proceedings, though their relevance would depend on the specific issues in dispute.
Practical Takeaways for California Residents
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Monitor your mail and court records regularly, especially if you have concerns about stalkers or individuals with access to your personal information. California courts mail copies of filed documents to the addresses listed on the petition.
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Consider placing a fraud alert with California's court system if you have documented stalker concerns. While no formal statewide system exists, individual court clerks can flag files for additional scrutiny when alerted to potential fraud.
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Report fraudulent filings to both the court and law enforcement immediately. The $435 filing fee paid by check provides investigators with direct evidence linking the alleged perpetrator to the crime.
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Preserve all evidence of the fraud, including the returned documents, envelopes with postmarks, and any communications from the alleged stalker. This documentation supports both civil remedies and criminal prosecution.
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Consult with a family law attorney promptly to ensure the fraudulent filing is properly dismissed and expunged. Delays in addressing the fraud can complicate the legal process and extend the time the false filing appears in records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone file for divorce in my name without my knowledge in California?
Yes, California courts do not verify identity when accepting divorce petitions. Any person can submit forms with the required $435 filing fee. The court relies on the signature under penalty of perjury, but clerks do not check identification. Victims discover fraudulent filings when they receive court documents by mail or during background checks.
What should I do if someone files a fake divorce petition using my name?
File a motion to dismiss under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 473 immediately and report the forgery to local police. Gather all evidence including the forged documents, payment records, and any known information about the perpetrator. Request the court seal records related to the fraudulent filing. Act within 6 months of discovery for the strongest legal position.
What criminal charges apply to filing a forged divorce petition in California?
Forging a divorce petition violates Cal. Penal Code § 470 (forgery) and Cal. Penal Code § 115 (filing forged documents). Combined, these felonies carry potential sentences of 3-6 years in state prison. Prosecutors may add charges for identity theft under Cal. Penal Code § 530.5, which adds another 1-3 years.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in California?
The filing fee for a divorce petition in California is $435 as of 2026. The responding spouse pays an additional $435 to file a response. Fee waivers are available for individuals earning below 125% of the federal poverty level, approximately $19,138 annually for a single person.
Can I sue someone who files a fraudulent divorce petition in my name?
Yes, victims can pursue civil remedies including intentional infliction of emotional distress, fraud, and defamation. California allows recovery of actual damages plus punitive damages when the defendant acted with malice. The paper trail from the forged filing, including the $435 check, provides strong evidence for civil litigation.
Find a California Family Law Attorney
If you have questions about protecting yourself from fraudulent court filings or need assistance addressing identity theft in family court, speaking with a qualified California family law attorney can help you understand your options.
This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.