Understanding Cue Ante Divortium: A Historical Legal Perspective

Definition & Meaning

The term "cue ante divortium" is derived from Latin, meaning "to whom before divorce." It refers to an ancient legal writ that was used to help divorced women reclaim property, specifically lands and tenements, that their husbands had sold without their consent during the marriage. This writ was abolished in 1833, reflecting changes in legal protections for women in marriage and divorce.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

(Hypothetical example) A woman named Sarah was married to John, and during their marriage, John sold a piece of property that Sarah owned. After their divorce, Sarah sought to reclaim her property using the legal mechanisms available to her at the time. Although the cue ante divortium writ is no longer applicable, similar protections now exist under modern family law.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Sur cui ante divortium A writ similar to cue ante divortium. Specifically refers to a type of recovery action for property held before divorce.
Property settlement An agreement on the division of property during divorce proceedings. Focuses on current legal processes rather than historical writs.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you have a claim related to property sold during a marriage, consider consulting a legal professional who specializes in family law. They can guide you through the current legal options available to you. Additionally, you can explore US Legal Forms for templates that may assist in preparing necessary documents for your case.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Historical Context Abolished in 1833
Legal Area Family law
Current Relevance Highlights historical property rights for women

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

It means "to whom before divorce," referring to an ancient legal writ for property recovery.