Situation: c.1865. A man deserts his wife and children, flees to another country, neither answers her letters nor sends her money. He is away for 9 years. On his return he sues her for divorce on the grounds of adultery as she was living with another man. Question Does the law say that after 7 years he can be considered dead and she free to remarry? Does she actually have to get a legal document agreeing to his apparent death? I'll acknowledge all your help in the final story when my family history is complete. Not too far now. Pat