Case Name: Eugene W. Wilcox et al., Respondents, v. The Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, Defendant. Alice A. Lott, Appellant
Court: New York Court of Appeals
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 1923-04-17
Citations: 235 N.Y. 590
Docket Number: 
Parties: Eugene W. Wilcox et al., Respondents, v. The Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, Defendant. Alice A. Lott, Appellant.
Judges: 
Reporter: New York Reports
Volume: 235
Pages: 590–599

Head Matter:
Eugene W. Wilcox et al., Respondents, v. The Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, Defendant. Alice A. Lott, Appellant.
Parties — when divorced wife neither necessary nor proper party to action to recover upon policies of life insurance issued upon life of her deceased former husband.
Wilcox v. Mutual Life Ins. Co., 203 App. Div. 874, affirmed.
(Argued February 28, 1923;
decided April 17, 1923.)
Appeal, by permission, from an order of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in the fourth judicial department, entered October 4, 1922, which reversed an order of Special Term directing the plaintiffs to serve an amended summons and complaint bringing in Alice A. Lott as a party defendant and permitting her to appear and answer setting up her alleged interest in this action, which was brought to recover upon policies of life insurance issued upon the life of the former husband of appellant from whom she had. been divorced upon the ground of her adultery.
The following questions were certified: “ 1. Does the language of section 1761 of the Code of Civil Procedure apply to the petitioner, Alice A. Lott, against whom a divorce was granted prior to the time when such section took effect? 2. If said section is construed to apply to said petitioner, Alice A. Lott, is it constitutional? 3. Is Alice A. Lott a necessary party to this action? 4. Is Alice A. Lott a proper party to this action? ”
Frank F. Williams for appellant.
Charles G. Signor for respondents.

Opinion:
Order affirmed, with costs; first and second questions certified not answered; other questions certified answered in the negative; no opinion.
Concur: His cock, Ch. J., Hogan, Pound, McLaughlin and Andrews, JJ. Not voting: Cardozo, J.