Putnam v. Putnam

On March 14, 1975, a probate judge (first judge) entered a decree nisi of divorce for the libellant (husband) on the ground of cruel and abusive treatment. The divorce is -not at issue; the decree has since become absolute. G. L. c. 208, § 21 (as amended through St. 1934, c. 181, § 1). Scholz v. Scholz, 367 Mass. 143 (1975). See now Mass.R.Dom.Rel.P. 62(g) (1975). The decree nisi made no provision for support or property division in lieu thereof, but expressly “reserved” those matters “for future determination.” On March 26, 1975, another probate judge (second judge) ordered the insertion of…