Gressman v. Gressman

WHEELER, J. This action was brought for an absolute divorce on statutory grounds. The defendant appeared and answered, denying the charges of infidelity, and by way of counterclaim alleged abandonment and cruel and inhuman treatment by the plaintiff, and demanded affirmative relief by a decree for a judicial separation. The plaintiff now moves for permission to discontinue the action, which the defendant opposes. We think the motion must be denied. [1] While in most cases the plaintiff may discontinue, almost as a matter of right, on the payment of costs (Petition of Butler, 101 N. Y. 307, 4 N. E. 518), nevertheless that right is subject Jo the judicial control of the court, and will be denied where a discontinuance would work injustice or prejudice to the defendant’s rights.- [2] This right to discontinue has, as a rule, been denied in matrimonial actions, particularly where a defense has been interposed demanding affirmative relief. Campbell v. Campbell, 12 Hun, 636; Winans v. Winans, 124 N. Y. 140, 26 N. E. 293. See, also, Kruger v. Persons, 52 App. Div. 50, 64 N. Y. Supp. 841; Jermyn v. Searing, 139 App. Div. 116, 123 N. Y. Supp. 832. If the- court should grant the motion now made, it would result in turning the defendant put of court, and compelling her to bring a separate action for the relief now sought and permitted by way of counterclaim. While doubtless the plaintiff has the right to withdraw his charges, and refuse to give evidence to support them, we do not think the defendant should be deprived of the right to prove her case, if she desires, by an order of discontinuance. The motion is therefore denied.