The miscellaneous provisions regarding divorce and divorce actions are in character similar to those already mentioned for other states. In California, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wyoming the legitimacy of the children of the marriage is expressly recognized in case of divorce. Trial by jury in the finding of facts is allowed in Illinois, Nevada, New York,[581] Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin; while in Washington it is expressly denied; and in Colorado the guilt or innocence of the defendant must be determined by the verdict in every case.[582] The statutes of Kansas, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Wyoming permit either consort to be a witness in the case; and by those of Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Washington the court may authorize the woman to change her name. She is granted this privilege in Alaska only when not the person in fault. In several instances special provision is made for defending the action. According to the Indiana law, "when a petition for divorce remains undefended, it shall be the duty of the prosecuting attorney to appear and resist" the same.[583] In Colorado, when the defendant fails to appear, the court must appoint an attorney who shall secure a fair and impartial hearing of the case.[584] By the law of Oregon the state is constituted a party in such suits, and it is the duty of the district attorney, "so far as may be necessary to prevent fraud or collusion," to control the proceedings for the defense.[585] Washington has a similar law;[586] and in special cases the prosecuting attorney in Idaho and Michigan is likewise required to oppose the granting of a decree.[587] Soliciting divorce business by advertising or otherwise is sometimes prohibited under severe penalty, such being the case in California, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Montana, New York, Ohio, and Washington.[588] Indiana has a unique enactment expressly declaring that a divorce legally granted in any other state shall have full effect in that commonwealth.[589] Everywhere due provision is made for alimony, care of the children, and the adjustment of property rights. There is great variation in matters of detail; but in general the laws of the middle and western states relating to these subjects are very similar to those of New England. For the purpose of the present chapter further notice may therefore be dispensed with. Only in Michigan,[590] Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana, it may be mentioned in conclusion, has any adequate provision been made for the collection and publication of divorce statistics.
Neighborhoods Brief
A History of Matrimonial Institutions, Volume 3 (of 3) — Part 127
2026-11-15 08:27:59 · The Daily Ledger
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