The Minister of Justice has also authority in some instances to grant decrees of absolute divorce.
The conditions under which a divorce can be granted by special royal decree are not specifically defined, but the decree is seldom granted except for substantial reasons and according to precedent.
Separation.—Decrees of separation from bed and board may be obtained upon mutual consent of the parties or if good reason exists upon the petition of one of the parties.
Effects of Divorce.—Usually in the absence of an agreement between the parties each party receives one-half of the property which during the marriage relation was held in common.
The duty of mutual support and assistance ends, but sometimes the man is directed to pay alimony to the woman.
The innocent party is generally given custody and control of the children of the marriage, but the courts favour an agreement between the parties on this subject.
Unless the decree of divorce has been brought about by her guilt a divorced wife is permitted to retain the name and rank of her divorced husband.