[IDLE FOLKS TAKE THE MOST PAINS.]

1569. Divorce _a mensa et thoro_.

By Divorce _a mensa et thoro_ is meant a separation only; it does not
sever the matrimonial tie, so as to permit the parties to contract
another marriage. These are now called _judicial separations._

1570. Suits of Jactitation of Marriage.

By suits of jactitation of marriage is meant suits which are brought
when a person maliciously and falsely asserts that he or she is
already married to another, whereby a belief in their marriage is
spread abroad, to the injury of the complaining party.

1571. Absolute Divorce.

By absolute divorce is meant a dissolution of the marriage, by which
the parties are set absolutely free from all marital engagements, and
capable of subsequent marriage. In these cases a _decree nisi_ is
first obtained, which is made absolute after the lapse of a certain
time, unless the decree should be set aside by subsequent appeal.

1572. Grounds of Divorce.

The grounds of divorce are very various, and in most cases fit only
for confidential communication to a solicitor. In all cases a highly
respectable professional adviser should be employed.

1573. Sentence of Judicial Separation.

A sentence of judicial separation may be obtained either by the
husband or the wife, on the ground of desertion without cause for two
years or upwards. To constitute wilful desertion on the part of the
husband, his absence must be against the will of his wife, and she
must not have been a consenting party to it.

1574. Insufficient Grounds.

Persons cannot be legally separated upon the mere disinclination of
one or both to live together. The disinclination must be proved upon,
reasons that the law recognises; and the court must see that those
reasons actually exist.

1575. Costs.

The amount of sosts of a judicial separation or a divorce varies from
L25 to L500 or more, according to the circumstances of the suit, and
the litigation that may ensue. But a person being a pauper may obtain
relief from the court by suing _in forma pauperis._ Any such person
must lay a case before counsel, and obtain an opinion from such
counsel that he or she has reasonable grounds for appealing to the
court for relief. The opinion of the counsel must then be laid before
the judge ordinary, and leave be obtained to proceed with the suit.

1576. Magisterial O