Opinion
May 7, 1920.
Frederick F. Neuman [ Franklin Waldheim with him on the brief], for the appellant.
Abner Greenberg, for the respondent.
This action is limited divorce for cruel and inhuman treatment. The Special Term ordered temporary alimony of $40 a week and a counsel fee of $250.
When the plaintiff made this application she and her tender infant were living in her husband's house, where her husband lived also. It is true that the woman deposes that she had been ordered to "Get out" of her home, but she is not corroborated, and she does not specify either time or circumstance. If such an order was given, evidently she felt secure to disobey it. And for aught that appears her stay is voluntary and neither degrading nor dangerous. If the affidavit of her husband is to be credited, her abode in the home is agreeable to him, aside from its effect upon this litigation or in the saving of his money. There is no proof that the woman and the child are not afforded maintenance in this house according to the station of life of the parties. The purpose of alimony is support. ( Turner v. Woolworth, 221 N.Y. 429.) It should be denied in this case. ( Smith v. Smith, 92 App. Div. 442.) I do not advise a denial of any counsel fee, especially as the defendant intends to raise the question of jurisdiction, which he may do at trial ( Gray v. Gray, 143 N.Y. 354), but I think that only $100 should be allowed.
The condition of the Special Term calendar affords a trial forthwith, if both parties are anxious for a disposition of the issue. I venture the opinion, formed upon the papers, that mutual forbearance and concession might restore harmony in this home, and keep the parties out of the divorce court. It is hard to credit that the single act of violence specified in the complaint accompanied by the words alleged, occurred on the very day that the wife bore the child which is the sole issue of the marriage. Such deed and words are not natural to the husband as he reveals himself in his affidavit, which strikes me as frank and truthful.
The order is modified by striking out the provision for alimony pendente lite, and by allowance of a counsel fee of $100 only, without costs to either party.
MILLS, RICH, PUTNAM and BLACKMAR, JJ., concur.
Order modified by striking out the provision for alimony pendente lite, and by allowance of a counsel fee of $100 only, without costs to either party.