If my husband lives out of the country and refuses to sign divorce papers, what can I do?
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If my husband lives out of the country and refuses to sign divorce papers, what can I do?
I am trying to divorce my husband who lives in the UK. I sent papers to sign but he is refusing. What is the next step I can/should take?
Asked on March 29, 2012 under Family Law, Washington
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
The law does not force you to stay married to an uncooperative spouse, even if they live out of the country. There are special provisions in the law that allow a party to serve another party in this type of circumstance. Sometimes even the court will tell you how to have him served as well. Since the provisinos vary from state to state I would speak with ana ttorney there about how to do it. Once he is served the time starts ticking for him to file an answer. If he does not you can move for a default and your divorce will be greanted (maybe though with some limitations such as property division). Good luck.
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