Thank you, rsinj! Your answer confirms what I had been thinking all along, even though I had been working with limited knowledge of UGMA and all the rules that apply.
In the last three days, I think I have read everything I could find online about UGMA. In fact, after posting this question I found the appropriate legal citations regarding UGMA for my state, as well as Securities Transfer Association Guidelines revised in Oct 2005. After finding these, I felt certain the advisor at SmithBarney was stalling my daughter.
Unfortunately, this instance isn't the first time this particular advisor has shown clear favoritism for my ex-husband, and my lawyer apparently doesn't know the law in regard to UGMA, so says she yesterday afternoon - which I found a little surprising. Frankly, I think my ex-husband's antics have taken her to the edge - 3 years post-divorce and the QDRO's have not been completed yet. I am pretty certain she dropped the ball, so to speak, in regard to the QDRO's. Well, much too long a story, and only somewhat relavant here!)
Anyhow, I plan to take my new found knowledge to this fellow on Monday AM, (the only thing I have not found is documentation of SmithBarney's UGMA transfer protocol - but I really don't think I need it!). I think he will suddenly know their protocol once he is sees that WE (my daughter and I) know of what we speak.
If the advisor doesn't see the light, rsinj, I will take your advice, and ask to see someone over him, and definitely, the legal department will be notified. (Which is something I am probably gonna have to do regarding the 50-50 split of SEP/SIMPLE retirement plans, and whatever else there is at SmithBarney).
Why do people have to make things more difficult than they have to be? I live in a fairy tale world of my own, I guess - in my world, people are fair and honest, and handle their business with integrity, and do the right thing by others, and most especially do the right thing by their children. -~~Peace~~
Thank you again. Your reply was exactly the confirmation I needed - I am filled now with knowledge and strength.