Getting a divorce when spouse whereabouts unknown.
Question Details:
I have been separated from my wife for almost 10 years. All I know is that she is in Maine and I am in Florida. I want to finalize my divorce. I know that I can run an add in a local paper but don't know how long to run it for or if there is anything else that I have to do first. How can I get a divorce?
The first thing you need to do is a diligent search for her and make every reasonable attempt to find her. There are multiple steps and multiple types of searches that need to be performed in order to meet the statutory requirements. If unsuccessful, then certain documents and affidavits need to be filed, and a Notice of Action will be issued by the Clerk which would need to be published properly in order to properly constitute service via publication. Once she has been properly served via publication and if she fails to respond, then the divorce can proceed based on the default.
I would be more than happy to assist you with this process if you would like. My office offers free initial telephone consultations if you would like to discuss this matter further. Please contact my office to schedule your consultation.

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