A man has filed a lawsuit accusing his former spouse of fraud and concealment, leading to significant financial losses. Daniel Purtee filed the complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, on November 18, 2025, against Michelle Kaddo, also known as Michelle Purtee Kaddo and Michelle Nicolai.
The lawsuit alleges that between 2019 and 2025, the defendant made false statements and concealed material facts in financial disclosures during their family court proceedings. According to the complaint, Michelle used multiple Social Security numbers and different names to maintain separate financial identities. These actions allegedly influenced court rulings on spousal support and attorney fee awards. “Defendant made these false statements to influence the family court’s rulings,” the complaint states. Daniel claims he was unaware of these deceptions until May 28, 2025, when he discovered previously undisclosed accounts and financial information.
Daniel accuses Michelle of concealing various financial accounts and loans from institutions like Chase Private-Client, Bank of America, Citibank, First Hawaiian Bank, and Bank of Hollywood. Certified records and forensic reports support these allegations. The plaintiff asserts that these omissions led him to suffer financial losses due to excessive spousal support payments based on false declarations. He had to obtain a $40,000 loan from his brother to cover arrears and incurred interest payments on this loan.
In addition to fraud and concealment claims, Daniel is seeking restitution for unjust enrichment. He argues that Michelle received benefits such as spousal support payments under false pretenses. The lawsuit requests a judicial declaration confirming that Michelle obtained financial benefits through fraudulent means. Furthermore, Daniel seeks general damages according to proof, compensatory damages, reliance damages, attorney’s fees awarded to him, costs of suit including expert costs, and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Daniel Purtee is attorney Samira Amato from the Law Office Of Samira Amato P.C., located in San Jose. The case is identified as Case No.: 25CV480256 in the Superior Court of California for the County of Santa Clara.
Source: 25CV480256_Daniel_Purtee_v_Michelle_Kaddo_Complaint_County_of_Santa_Clara_California.pdf
