in these respects when circumstances render them expedient. [§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 peculiar circumstances will alimony be granted
to the party in fault. A judgment for alimony may be made a lien upon
specific property, and the court may declare it a lien on the homestead.
The court granting a divorce and alimony retains jurisdiction of the
same, and upon a subsequent change in the circumstances of the parties,
may modify or change the decree in relation to alimony and custody of
children as may seem just and proper and for the best interests of all
parties. A suit for alimony without divorce may be brought, where the
wife has been compelled to leave her husband on account of misconduct on
his part justifying the separation. The disposition of the children is
entirely within the discretion of the court, and the custody may be
given to either party or may be taken from both and given to a guardian,
if it can be shown that neither parent is a proper person to care for
them. The best good of the child will be the first and most important
consideration in determining to whom the custody shall be given.

[Sidenote: Forfeiture.]

When a divorce is decreed the guilty party forfeits all rights acquired
by the marriage. [§3421.] After a decree of divorce neither party can
have any interest in the property of the other except that which is
granted by the decree, and this applies to claim for dower in case of
survival.