Dictionary |
connivance A petitioner for divorce or judicial separation must satisfy the court that he has not been accessory to or connived at the respondents adultery, if he fails to do so, the petition must be dismissed, Connivance implies an anticipatory consent to adultery committed by the other spouse. It may be active or passive acquiscence in, or toleration of the adultery; but mere negligence, inattention or over-confidence, not amounting to intentional concurrence and consent are not connivance. Where, however, a spouse bonafide and reasonably believes that the other is committing adultery, and in order to get proof, follows and observes and does not interfere while adultery is being committed, such following or observation and non-interference do not amount to connivance. Connivance at adultery with one person may preclude relief in respect of adultery with another. |