Case ID: ohio-ch_1/html/0205-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Lane, J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

NANCY LEFEVRE’S LESSEE v. MURDOCK.
    Deed of a married woman — void—divorce from bed and board — use of lot for alimonj- — right * of entry — ejectment.
    The deed of a married woman is void at common law, though such deed may be good if made under a statute.
    A decree of divorce from bed and board, allowing the wife the use of a city lot for alimony, vests her with a legal right to enter and use, on which she can maintain ejectment.
    Ejectment for lot 35 in Cincinnati. The plaintiff made title under a decree of the Supreme Court in Hamilton county, divorcing Nancy Lefevre and her husband from bed and board, and allowing her the use of the lot 35 for her alimony. .
    The defendant offered to read in evidence a deed from Nancy Lefevre, bearing date after her marriage and before her divorce from Lefevre.
    
      Starr, for the plaintiff,
    contended that the deed of Mrs. Lefevre made during coverture, was void, and insisted that the decree of divorce vested in her the right to the possession of the lot.
    
      Storer, contra,
    contended that the decree of the court did not operate upon the land, so as to vest Mrs. Lefevre with a right of entry; but if it did, it would be inoperative against her own deed of. conveyance.
   Lane, J.

The deed of a femme covert, unless made in pursuance of some statute, is void and of no avail. The decree allowing Mrs. Lefevre the use of the lot in dispute, is either entirely nugatory, or its effect is to secure her the possession of the lot that she may use it. We think the latter its ostensible and legitimate effect.

Verdict for the plaintiff. A motion for a new trial was made, argued and overruled. Judgment on the verdict.