Vanderbilt v. Vanderbilt

354 U.S. 416 (1957)

Facts

Cornelius (H) and Patricia (W) were married in 1948. They separated in 1952 while living in California. W moved to New York, and H filed for a Nevada divorce. Nevada issued a final divorce decree. W had not been served with process and did not appear. W then instituted an action in New York for separation and alimony. The New York court did not have jurisdiction over H, but it sequestered his property within the state to satisfy H's obligations to W. H made a special appearance and contended Full Faith and Credit to the Nevada divorce. The New York court found the Nevada decree valid but then entered an order for H to make alimony payments. The Supreme Court eventually granted certiorari.