Section 19-5-6. Grant of divorce to respondent without necessity of counterclaim

   When a petition for divorce is filed, the respondent may recriminate in his answer and ask a divorce in his favor. If, at the trial, the court or jury believes that the respondent rather than the petitioner is entitled to a divorce, they may so find upon legal proof.

Ga. L. 1863-64, p. 45, § 1; Code 1868, § 1717; Code 1873, § 1718; Code 1882, § 1718; Civil Code 1895, § 2433; Civil Code 1910, § 2952; Code 1933, § 30-106; Ga. L. 1946, p. 90, § 5.