Rice v. Rice

The parties were married in this Commonwealth on October 8, 1950. They have no children. On November 16, 1951, the husband filed a libel for divorce, alleging cruel and abusive treatment. The wife was personally served, but did not appear or answer. The case was heard ex parte on February 29, 1952, and the husband was granted a decree nisi.

On December 22, 1953, the wife prayed that the decree nisi be revoked, because she was insane when the case was heard and the decree nisi granted, and the judge found such to be the facts. She was then confined in the Medfield State Hospital, and on May 2,…