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40 Del. 406

Short v. Short

Superior Court of Delaware

Decided February 6, 1940

Superior Court of Delaware · decided 1940-02-06

Cited by 2 later decisions — most recently February 1986

2 state decisions

Relies on Peck v. Peck · Reed v. Reed

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1940-02-06

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Layton, C. J.:

¶1The demurrer is based upon an alleged misjoinder of causes of action. It is urged, and it appears to be the general rule that, in an action for divorce, a cause of action with respect to property interests not arising out of the marital relation cannot be joined with the cause of action for divorce. 17 Am. Jur. 308; 19 C. J. 107; 7 Am. & Eng. Ency. Pl. & Pr. 83; Reed v. Reed, 70 Neb. 775, 98 N. W. 76; Peck v. Peck, 66 Mich. 586, 33 N. W. 893.

¶2In addition to the alleged cause of action for divorce, and the prayers for relief in connection therewith, there are averments from which an equity is supposed to have arisen demanding the application of the equitable doctrine of marshaling of assets as a part of the relief to which the plaintiff is entitled in the action.

¶3Conceding, arguendo, that this Court, under the provisions of the divorce statute, is vested with the jurisdiction to hear and determine the cause and to grant the relief prayed for, it is entirely clear that the execution of the judgment note by the plaintiff, and the potential involvement of her real property as a consequence thereof, does not constitute a property interest arising out of the marriage relation. Relief, in a proper case, can be had in an independent proceeding.

¶4The demurred is sustained.

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