Definition of Enoc Arden doctrine
The legal principles involved when a person leaves his spouse under such circumstances and for such a period of time as to make the other spouse believe that he is dead with the result that the remaining spouse marries another only to discover later the return of her first husband. Generally, in most states, it is safer for the remaining spouse to secure a divorce before marrying again.
That's the definition of Enoc Arden doctrine in Black's Law Dictionary 6th Edition. Courtesy of Cekhukum.com.