[Sidenote:  Cross petition.]

The defendant may obtain a divorce for the causes as above stated, by filing a cross petition. [Sec.3416.]

[Sidenote:  Maintenance during litigation.]

The court may order either party to pay the clerk a sum of money for the separate support and maintenance of the adverse party and the children, and to enable such party to prosecute or defend the action. [Sec.3417.] In applying for an order granting temporary alimony it is not necessary to show that the party making the application is entitled to a divorce.  It is sufficient if it appears that such party is without means of support and unable to prosecute the action without such allowance.  The fact of marriage must be either admitted or proved.  The court may allow attorney’s fees in proceedings for divorce and alimony, but the party against whom the action is brought, is not liable, if the other party is unsuccessful.  Where the applicant for divorce is ordered to pay a certain sum of money to enable the defendant to defend, it he fails to obey this order, the action may be dismissed.

If it appears that the father is an unfit person to have the custody of the children, pending a proceeding for divorce, the court has power to provide for their custody and maintenance as may be for the best interest of the children.

[Sidenote:  Attachment.]

A judgment or order for temporary alimony is a lien upon the property of the person against whom the order is directed, and such property may be levied upon by attachment and held to satisfy the decree of the court. [Sec.3418.] Attachment may be allowed without bond and it may be granted in a suit to annul an illegal marriage as well as in one for divorce.  It may be levied on the homestead as well as other property.  The disposition of property by the defendant may also be restrained by injunction.

[Sidenote:  Showing.]

In making such orders, the court or judge shall take into consideration the age, condition, sex and pecuniary condition of the parties, and such other matters as are deemed pertinent, which may be shown by affidavits in addition to the pleadings or otherwise, as the court or judge may direct. [Sec.3419.]

[Sidenote:  Alimony, Custody of children, Changes.]

When a divorce is decreed, the court may make such order in relation to the children, property, parties, and the maintenance of the parties as shall be right and proper.  Subsequent changes may be made by the court, in these respects when circumstances render them expedient. [Sec.8420.] In granting a divorce, full power is given the court over the questions of permanent alimony and custody of children, and the amount of alimony will be determined by a careful consideration of the circumstances of the parties.  The allowance is usually for a certain sum of money, but the court may set apart a specific portion of property as alimony.  Only in rare cases and under