Bruce v. Bruce

April 27, 1921, plaintiff presented evidence in her default divorce case. The court’s minute entry for that day states that “evidence was adduced in support of complaint for divorce . . . Decree granted.”

Three days later, the trial judge died. An order of default, findings of fact, conclusions of law, and decree of divorce were not entered. The court’s minute entry was approved by the trial judge’s successor.

Plaintiff left the state of Washington immediately after the hearing, under the impression that her divorce was complete. When she learned the true status of the record, she filed her…