Court Opinion

ID: 9694498
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-25 17:44:19.99347+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:20:02.522550
License: Public Domain

Vanderbilt, C. J.
(dissenting). The only question raised on this appeal is the effect to be given to the California divorce decree obtained by the wife. The majority finds that the matrimonial domicile was established in California since the plaintiff joined his wife there “under circumstances unmistakably indicating a common intention to establish their domicile there” and on the basis of this finding it holds that since the California court had jurisdiction of both the subject matter and the person its judgment must be accorded full faith and credit in our courts.
The conclusion that the matrimonial domicile was in California is contrary to the finding of the trial judge which is as follows:
‘‘I find and conclude that the plaintiff is and has been a bona fide, resident of the State of New Jersey. It was to the State of New Jersey that he returned after his discharge from service and to which he brought his wife to make their home. However, she left him within a few days and returned to New York and ever since that time has refused to return to New Jersey to live with him. He did go back to visit and live with her in New York two or three times a week. His home, however, was in New Jersey and he was gainfully employed in Paterson. Within a comparatively short time after the marriage she admits that she asked her husband for a divorce; that she wrote to him for a divorce or an annulment while he was overseas, and that she had her brother arrange for a conference with the plaintiff and his family and lawyers for the respective sides to consider the question of plaintiff getting a divorce from the defendant and the brother of the defendant indicated a *569willingness to stand the expenses of the proceeding. The defendant took part in the conference and within a few days afterwards upon being examined by a doctor it was found that she was pregnant and as a result the proposed divorce was then abandoned. Within six weeks after the birth of the child the defendant was in the State of California with her family. The plaintiff endeavored to obtain a leave of absence from his employment and when it was denied he quit his job and went to California to get his wife to come back. He asked his wife to return to New Jersey with him and she refused. He thereupon returned to New Jersey where he has ever since maintained his residence. In the trial of this proceeding the plaintiff expressed a willingness to now make a home for his wife and child and no like statement of consent was forthcoming from the defendant. It is obvious her desire to end the marriage on the several occasions as hereinabove set forth makes crystal clear the reason for not acceding to her husband’s request to live with him in New Jersey.”
The evidence was conflicting but the trial judge gave greater credence to the testimony of the plaintiff, characterizing that of the wife as follows:
.“Naturally, her statements concerning the marital status lack the tone of sincerity and the vibrant note of truth. Her testimony is vague, uncertain and contains admissions which, when considered with all of the testimony and evidence in the case, leaves no substance to her judgment demands for support and maintenance or for absolute divorce.”
Even without applying R. R. 1:5-3(a), which requires that when we find new facts in a non-jury case “due regard shall be given to the opportunity of the trial court to judge of the credibility of the witnesses,” I find myself in agreement with the facts as found by the trial judge on this crucial issue. No reason has been advanced by the majority for rejecting his findings of fact.
I would therefore affirm the judgment of the Appellate Division of the Superior Court.
For reversal — Justices Heher, Oliphant, Burling, Jacobs and Brennan — 5.
For affirmance — Chief Justice Vanderbilt — 1.