Welcome to my series, What the Heck Is…, where I break down common divorce and divorce recovery terms in easy-to-understand language. If you’re new to the divorce process or feeling overwhelmed by all the jargon, this series is for you. Together, we’ll demystify the terms and help you gain confidence as you navigate this challenging journey.
I’ve been engaging with people in Facebook divorce groups, and there’s a wealth of wisdom to be found from those going through similar experiences. These groups create a meaningful space where we can both offer and receive support during tough times.
Recently, a woman navigating a difficult separation asked about “Divorce Through Publication.” Since I wasn’t familiar with it, I decided to dig in and learn more. Time to turn to Google for answers.
Divorce Through Publication
As I understand it…
Like so many things in divorce, the rules around Divorce Through Publication differ from state to state. With that in mind, let’s start with a general overview of what Divorce Through Publication actually means.
Here is a quote by US Legal
“Divorce by publication is a divorce allowed in some states when the spouse cannot be located. It is governed by state laws, which vary, but generally require the spouses to have been living apart for a certain minimum amount of time”.
In some states, Divorce Through Publication allows a person to post a divorce notice in the newspaper when their spouse can’t be found—someone who’s disappeared without leaving a forwarding address. Before using this option, you have to make a real effort to locate your missing spouse. This might include checking phone books, contacting friends and family, and looking through post office or tax records for any address changes.
If you’ve tried everything to find your spouse and come up empty, the court may allow you to publish a divorce notice in the newspaper. Your spouse will have a set amount of time to respond, and if they don’t, you can move forward with the divorce.
Divorce through publication isn’t the easiest path—there are several hurdles to clear, and the rules vary by state. If you do find your spouse, you have to proceed with the standard divorce process rather than publication. The woman I spoke with knew where her husband was, so from what I’ve read, she wouldn’t qualify for divorce through publication.
I hope this gives you a better understanding of the meaning of Divorce Through Publication.
God Bless You On Your Journey!
KathieyV.