McGuire v. McGuire
Supreme Court of Nebraska
59 N.W.2d 336 (1953)
Lydia McGuire (plaintiff) married the notably frugal Charles McGuire (defendant) in 1919, bringing her own rental income from 80 acres of land that she kept for herself, since he rarely gave her money and she supported herself in part by selling poultry and eggs. Over 33 years of marriage he furnished the home simply (with electricity and a stove, but no bathroom) and, in her old age after she lost her poultry income, paid for her surgeries but refused to pay for new furnishings, despite having substantial financial assets he would not disclose. Without filing for separation or divorce, Lydia sued her husband for support and maintenance, and the trial court ruled in her favor; Charles appealed.
Whether one spouse may sue the other for support and maintenance while the couple's marriage remains intact, they continue to live together, and the parties' home is maintained.