Learn Ask A Question Get Help
in   from 


    

Question: Divorce, Marriage, Alimony - Arkansas

Asked on 11/1/2009
If I file pro se for divorce, do I have to put my physical address on the filing or can I use a PO Box?
My husband has said that he will not contest the divorce, but I left him because I was afraid for my safety and his behavior is very unpredictable. I do not want him to know where I live as he has made threats in the past. I cannot afford an attorney, but if he changes his mind and decides to contest the divorce, won't I have to give a physical address where he can serve me his answer? Or could he serve me by certified mail, restricted delivery, to my PO Box?

 Notify me of updates.   Answer This Question!      Question Offensive or Inappropriate?

This question received 89 views.    

Answers (1):

AttorneyPages has verified that this person is an attorney.

I strongly advise you to seek counsel.  Click here to see why: http://thebryantfirm.com/blog/2009/10/26/self-diagnosis-prognosis-and-treatment-of-legal-sickness/

You have a couple of options.  You can search the web for organizations that provide legal aid to low income families.  If you qualify, your only fee is the filing fee and service of process fees.  You can also file a petition called a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis.  If properly filed and signed by the judge, it would allow you to proceed without paying the filing fee.

Most attorneys will not represent you without paying a large retainer.  If you live in Northwest Arkansas I can do it for $425.00 plus costs if it is uncontested, or $85.00 per hour if it is contested.  And I can put you on a payment plan so that you don't have to come up with a large retainer.

Now to answer your question, yes you can list a P.O. Box at which he can send you his answer and other pleadings.  In fact, that doesn't have to be certified restricted.  He only has to provide a certificate of service indicating that he actually served you with his answer or other pleadings.  If you are concerned about your safety, you should also seek an order of protection and inform the police any time he threatens or harrasses you.  Please let me know if I can be of any assistance at all.

Joshua S. Bryant
Attorney at Law

The Bryant Firm, P.A.
609 S.W. 8th Street, Suite 600
Bentonville, AR  72712
(479)286-1129
www.thebryantfirm.com

This communication does not begin the attorney/client relationship.



  • Answered on 11/3/2009
  • Rating:
  •  Rate this answer






AttorneyPages.com
HACKER SAFE certified sites prevent over 99.9% of hacker crime. State Law Center  |  Legal Resource Directory  |  Legal Articles  |  Insurance Advice and Quotes  |  FreeAdvice Answers  |  Community Forums
Media  |  Privacy Policy  |  About Us  |  Contact Us

FreeAdvice® has been providing millions of consumers with outstanding legal and insurance information and general advice, free, since 1995. While not a substitute for personal advice from a licensed professional, FreeAdvice is available AS IS, subject to our disclaimer and conditions of use.
FreeAdvice®, AttorneyPages®, ExpertPages® are registered trademarks and units of Advice Company.
All Rights Reserved © 1995-2010