Power to make such orders after decree.

    The court, after a decree of judicial separation, may upon application (by petition) for this purpose make, from time to time, all such orders and provisions, with respect to the custody, maintenance and education of the minor children, the marriage of whose parents is the subject of the decree, or for placing such children under the protection of the said court, as might have been made by such decree or by interim orders in case the proceedings for obtaining such decree were still pending.