US judge urges divorcing couple to 'use common sense'

The presiding judge of a divorce case in America has called for the couple in question to behave reasonably during the proceedings, the associated Press reports.

Former governor James E McGreevey and his estranged wife Dina Matos McGreevey's court appearance is the couple's first time in public together for two years, since Mr McGreevey announced he was gay and resigned from his post.

Judge Karen Cassidy has asked the pair to exercise "common sense", and has also stated that Mr McGreevey's sexual orientation does not have a significant part to play in the case.

The hearing saw the couple agree to continue with the visitation arrangements for their five-year-old daughter, which grants Mr McGreevey access every other Wednesday and every alternate weekend. The girl's permanent home is with Mrs Matos McGreevey.

Judge Cassidy said the McGreeveys should "use their common sense" and refrain from introducing their daughter, Jacqueline, to any "non-age appropriate activities", a concept the judge called "admittedly vague".

"The court can't be your child's parent. I don't want to micromanage your child's life," she added.