In which case is in rem jurisdiction applicable?

In rem jurisdiction refers to a court's power to adjudicate matters concerning property or status located within its territorial jurisdiction. This type of jurisdiction is crucial when the case involves the status of a thing, where the court's authority is derived from the presence of the property or the status in question within the court's geographical boundaries.

The determination of marital status falls directly under in rem jurisdiction because marriage is often viewed as a status that can be adjudicated by the court based on the parties' location. Courts have the power to declare the validity of a marriage or the dissolution thereof, which regards the legal status of the individuals involved.

In contrast, issues such as child custody and the division of property acquired before marriage typically hinge more on personal jurisdiction, as they often require the court to have authority over the individuals involved rather than just over property or status. Similarly, temporary restraining orders may arise from situations where personal jurisdiction is required, as they usually involve specific individuals and not merely their assets or statuses.

Thus, the determination of marital status is a clear illustration of an issue that can be addressed through in rem jurisdiction, as it concerns the legal relationship between parties recognized by the state authority within that jurisdiction.