The Simpsons

An indefinite suspension has been ordered by the Kentucky Supreme Court

Edmundson was appointed as the Guardian ad Litem in three cases in Jefferson Family Court which involved Brad Simpson as a biological father. On June 7, 2023, Edmundson filed an incomplete one-page motion to suspend all visitation between Simpson and his children. In support of the motion, Edmundson stated, “At the outset of this case, Respondent Father had a nonexistent[.]” Nothing else was offered in support. Edmundson subsequently mailed a copy of the order granting the motion to Simpson and thereafter failed to respond to any of Simpson’s phone calls or emails.

Simpson, who had, in fact, been active in his children’s lives, filed a Bar Complaint which was served by certified mail on July 13, 2023. Edmundson contacted Bar Counsel on July 17, 2023, to determine if a response to the Complaint was necessary. No response was forthcoming. Bar Counsel then attempted to have Edmundson served by a Jefferson County Constable. The Constable was unable to locate Edmundson at his bar roster address and was told Edmundson did not maintain an office at that location. The Constable ultimately contacted Edmundson by text message and personally served him on September 9, 2023, at the Jefferson County Courthouse. No answer was filed, prompting the Inquiry Commission to issue a formal Charge on December 20, 2023. Edmundson was personally served by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on January 25, 2024. He failed to file an answer to the Charge.

Edmundson has not participated in the Complaint stage or the formal Charge stage of these disciplinary proceedings. Due to Edmundson’s failure to timely respond, the KBA requests this Court indefinitely suspend him pursuant to SCR 3.167(1). Upon examination of the KBA’s petition and supporting documents, we agree Edmundson’s conduct warrants suspension.

Two justices would order the attorney to show cause why he should not be indefinitely suspended. (Mike Frisch)