–683–
-683§ 198. Interlocutory order; appeal; final decree of divorce (a) A final decree granting a divorce may not be entered until after the expiration of a period of six months from the date of the entry of an mterlocutory order adjudging that a case for divorce has been proved. The interlocutory order shall expressly state that a divorce is not granted by it. An appeal may be taken from the order in the same manner and within the same time as an appeal from a final decree of the court in any other proceeding. (b) After the expiration of the period of six months provided by subsection (a) of this section, or, if an appeal is taken and the case is pending at the time of the expiration of the period, after the final disposition of the case if determined in favor of the plaintiff, the court, upon application filed within 30 days after the expiration of the period or the final disposition, by the person in whose favor the interlocutory order was entered, shall enter a final decree granting a divorce. If an application is not made, the court may, on its own motion, within three months after the expiration of the 30-day period, enter a final decree of divorce. An appeal may not be taken from the final decree. § 199. Effect of divorce generally The effect of a judgment decreeing a divorce is to restore the parties to the state of unmarried persons. § 200. Legitimacy of children A divorce does not affect the legitimacy of the children of the marriage. § 201. Resumption of former name The court, upon granting to a woman a divorce from the bonds of matrimony, may allow her to resume her maiden name or the name of a former husband. § 202. Decrees and orders prior to September 21, 1922 All proceedings in the district court of the Canal Zone, wherein and whereby a decree of divorce was granted prior to September 21, 1922, upon personal service, or service by puolication, and wherein other orders were made affecting the status of the parties or their children, are valid. Subchapter IV—Alimony, Support, Custody, and Property § 231. Custody and care of children pending action On the application of either party, the court may make such order concerning the custody and care of the minor children of the parties during the pendency of the action as it deems expedient and for the benefit of the children. § 232. Alimony pending action I n cases of divorce the court may require the husband or wife to pay to the other spouse or pay into court for the latter's use during the pendency of the action such sums of money as may enable the latter to maintain or defend the action. Either spouse, when it is just and equitable, is entitled to alimony during the pendency of the action. On appeal by either spouse, the district court may grant and enforce the payment of such money for defense and such equitable alimony during the pendency of the appeal as it deems reasonable and proper.
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