Max Linder: Max Wants a Divorce (1917)

Max Wants a Divorce is a 1917 American short film directed by Max Linder. Max is forced to choose between losing his newly-wedded wife and a fortune. He hits upon a brilliant scheme: He will give his wife grounds for a divorce, secure the money, and then make his ex-wife Mrs. Linder again. He goes through any amount of trouble in helping her to get the necessary evidence, only to find that it is all a mistake on the part of a stupid lawyer - the money and the wife are both to be his. -- Edward Weitzel, Moving Picture World (April 7, 1917)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Wants_a_Divorce