Story: Divorce and separation

Separation and guardianship

Maintenance, separation and guardianship orders were bread-and-butter work for magistrates, who issued orders like this 1914 one every sitting day. Sarah Ellen Clark’s husband, George, was ordered to pay her 10 shillings a week maintenance (about $70 in 2011 terms), plus an extra five shillings per week for each of their two children, Flora (aged seven) and George junior (aged eight months).

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: AAOY W3298 777 2

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How to cite this page:

Megan Cook, 'Divorce and separation - Growth in divorce: 1898–1979', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/zoomify/29833/separation-and-guardianship (accessed 24 September 2023)

Story by Megan Cook, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 8 Nov 2018