In what circumstance don't you need PJx over a matrimonial action?

In what circumstance don't you need PJx over a matrimonial action?

• A. If π isn't seeking money & π lives in NY
• B. In all matrimonial actions
• C. If ∆ resides outside NY
• D. If court issues an order

Answer: (A)

In matrimonial actions, the court’s power to dissolve a marriage can operate without establishing personal jurisdiction over the nonresident spouse when the case is purely for divorce and the petitioner is a New York resident. If the petitioner lives in New York and is not seeking monetary relief, the court can grant the divorce based on the plaintiff’s NY domicile, so there’s no need to prove PJx over the other spouse. If money is involved—like alimony, support, or property division—the court must have personal jurisdiction over the spouse to bind those monetary claims. That’s why the scenario where the petitioner resides in NY and isn’t seeking money is the circumstance that doesn’t require PJx.

In matrimonial actions, the court’s power to dissolve a marriage can operate without establishing personal jurisdiction over the nonresident spouse when the case is purely for divorce and the petitioner is a New York resident. If the petitioner lives in New York and is not seeking monetary relief, the court can grant the divorce based on the plaintiff’s NY domicile, so there’s no need to prove PJx over the other spouse.

If money is involved—like alimony, support, or property division—the court must have personal jurisdiction over the spouse to bind those monetary claims. That’s why the scenario where the petitioner resides in NY and isn’t seeking money is the circumstance that doesn’t require PJx.