Under the Napoleonic Civil Code there is very little difference between a women and a child. In the event that her husband wants to move, she is obligated to follow behind him. She will be obedient; follow him from place to place and answer to her husbands' beckon call. The code expressions that a wife should "remain silent in the ream of public business." For the most part, she is beneath her husband: the code makes it sound as if she is loyal dog and the husband is her master.
             He has control over their finances. She is unable to act without his permission: if she needs to sell any property, she'll have to seek her husband's approval. She is always his responsibility, except in the event that she makes a mistake. "the authority of the husband is not necessary when the wife is prosecuted in a criminal matter, or relating to the police." Then, very conveniently, she becomes independent of him. In fairness it should be said the she may act as a "public trader...without the authority of her husband," when her business is separate from his. Therefore, in this instance she does have some control, but it is only given because it doesn't doesn't place her at equal footing with the man. The majority of early 19th century wives were not businesswomen, taking part in industry, or commerce. So more than likely, their property was in community of the marriage. Again, the women had no control. The husband could sell it, and he'd never need the permission of the Mrs.!
             If he is found guilty of wrongdoing in a suit, her property can be taken, and she'll just have to be compensated. It is the husband that has "management of all the personal property of the wife," as states in article 1428. A woman doesn't have the right to take charity or "acquire anything. She is his child and he is to take care of her and all her belongings.
             The code is very harsh on women ...