Wilmington daily gazette., 1873-02-15
A. ACT for the ProteotIon OF Women,


The following act has been before our Legisla
turc since the lIth instant;
SECTION !. That the real and personal property
of any female, who may hereafter marry, and
which she shall own, at the time of her marriage
0r that any female now married may have, or may
receive by gilt, grant, devise, or bequest, from
any person other than her husband, shall be her
solo and separate propcrty;-and the rents, Issues
and profits thereof shall not be subject to the dis
posal of her husband, nor liable for his debts.
| SECTION g That the husband shall not be liable
for the debts of his wifi; except so far as he may
have been placed In. possession and control OF
her property;-but all debts contracted before
marriage by the wife, or by her authority after
| marriage, shall lie charge ou her real and per-
| sonal property; and judgment therefor may be
recovered against her In her name.
SECTION 3. That any married woman may re-
receive the wages of her personal labor not per
formed for her family; maintain an action there
Tor in her own name, and hold them in her own
right against her husband, or any other person.
she may deposit the same, or any other money
belonging TO her. In her own name in any bank,
savings bank, or other institution for the safe
keeping of money, subject to her sole right aud
authority TO withdraw the same, in whole or in
part, at any time without the consent or control
OF her husband;-and upon the payment to her by
any bank, savings bank, or other institution for
the safe keeping OF money, of any moneys SO de-
posted, they shall be eXonerated from any fur
ther liability therefor.
SECTION 4. That any married woman may pros
ecute and defend snits at law or in equity for the
preservation and protection of her property as II
unmarried; or may do it Jointly with her husband;
but he alone cannot maintain an action respect |
ing his wiic's property; aud it shall be lawful for
any married woman 10 make any and all manner |
of contracts necessary 10 be made with respect TO
her own property, and suits may be maintained |
on such contracts as though the party making |
them was n femme sole
SECTION 5. That any married woman of the age |
of twenty-on years and upwards, may dispose Of
her property both real and personal, by WILL but
such disposal shall not effect the rights OF her |
husband as tenant by the courtesy; and if she die
intesiate, her property, both real and personal, |
shall descend 10 her heirs, now provided by |
law, and administration aud distribution shall |
lake place accordingly; but husslnd ana WIFE |
by marriage contract, executed in the presence |
Of two witnesses before marriage, may determine !
what rights each other shall have in the others
estate during marriage and after its dissolution by
death, and may bar each other of all rights in |
heir respective estates not so secured to them.
SECTION g. That any married woman may re-
case to her husband the right 10 control her
property, or any part OF it, and to dispose of the
neome thereof for their mutual benefit, and may,
n writing, revoke the same
SECTION z. That all acts and parts of acts in
consistent with this act be and they are hereby
epealed.