An action for divorce is extinguished by the reconciliation of the parties.1 If reconciliation occurs, a divorce suit based on the prior separation period is defeated. Reconciliation is an affirmative defense to a divorce suit.
Reconciliation requires more than isolated incidents of sexual relations, cohabitation on a trial basis, or vacations together.2 It requires the mutual intent of both parties to reconcile and the actual resumption of living together as spouses. Mutual intent is a question of fact determined by the totality of the circumstances.3
- 1La. C.C. art. 104. Reconciliation also terminates child custody orders entered in the extinguished divorce action. See Walkowiak v. Walkowiak, 32,615 (La. App. 2 Cir. 12/8/99), 749 So. 2d 855, 858 n.2; Dooley v. Dooley, 443 So. 2d 630 (La. App. 3 Cir. 1983).
- 2Millon v. Millon, 352 So. 2d 325 (La. App. 4 Cir. 1977) (no reconciliation despite 6 acts of sexual intercourse); Woods v. Woods, 27,199 (La. App. 2 Cir. 8/23/95), 660 So. 2d 134 (cohabitation on a trial basis); Noto v. Noto, 09-CA-1100 (La. App. 5 Cir. 5/11/10), 41 So. 3d 1175 (vacation together).
- 3Woods, 27,199, 660 So. 2d 134; Lemoine v. Lemoine, 97-1626 (La. App. 3 Cir. 7/1/98), 715 So. 2d 1244.