Stevenson v. Stevenson
Stevenson v. Stevenson
Opinion of the Court
Plaintiff brought this action against defendant for divorce on the ground of nonsupport. She appeals from a judgment dismissing the action.
The parties were married at Farmington, Utah, March 21, 1919. At the time of the trial, December 15, 1919, plaintiff was, and for eight years prior thereto had been, a resident of Weber county. Respondent supported her until June 15, 1919, when he quit work. They continued to live together till July 3, 1919, but the husband did not work during the period between June 15, and July 3, and earned nothing during that time, although solicited by his former employers to re-enter their service. On the last-mentioned date it was agreed between the parties that she go to her mother’s and he to his mother’s home. He remained out of employment till July 10, contributing nothing to his wife’s support. Appellant testified that she was sick during August, following an operation, that she talked with her husband about the operation and asked him for support at that time, but that he refused to contribute anything to her support or to assist her in any way. From July 10 to August 20, 1919, he worked for the Utah Central Railroad Company, but contributed nothing to plaintiff. He did not call upon her during her sickness, and at the time of the trial appellant did not know where he was, had not heard from him, and had received no support from him since the previous June. The plaintiff produced a witness who corroborated material parts of her testimony.
The fact that the parties separated did not absolve the husband from the duty of supporting his wife, and did not justify him in refusing to help her during her illness. He was an able-bodied man, and the undisputed evidence is that he was employed from July 10 to August 20,
Among the findings of fact is one to the effect that since July 3, 1919, plaintiff has refused to live with defendant as his wife. The record contains no evidence that sustains this finding.
For the reasons stated, the judgment of the lower court is reversed, and the cause is remanded, with directions to that court to set aside its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and decree, and to make findings of fact and conclusions of law in favor of plaintiff, and to render and enter a decree accordingly; respondent to pay costs.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- STEVENSON v. STEVENSON
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- Published