If EX is missing while divorce is in process.. can the divorce be finalized?

Question

This is in California. The divorce was filed in 2001, the wife served the paper. In 2005, both agreed and finalized the Final Agreement to be signed by the judge. But the wife relocated somewhere in the USA with her new BF and she has not signed the paper yet. Is there a law or rule that if a wife could not be found for 3 yrs.. then the judge can make a judgment to dissolve the marriage?

Answer 1

I think so. It's called a default judgment for divorce and used for this purpose. Better call the attorney.