My daughter wants to serve her husband divorce papers but can't find him. Any suggestions?

Question

He won't respond to phone calls or texts. He said he'd pick his stuff up today and she was going to have him served but he didn't show up. He already stole the car and emptied the bank accounts. Now the cops are telling her since they're not legally separated or divorced he still technically can live there. That means he can come by at any time and rip off what little she has left. Luckily she won't let her baby out of her sight. Anyone who knows what she can do under these circumstances? We live in California. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

It can be done if she's up for some leg work.

I had the same problem long ago.

I was required to send a registered letter, to hopefully verify a current address.

I was required to search to see if she owned any property

Had to do a DMV search to verify which state she was licensed to drive in.

Had to do like 4 other searches which totaled about 7 all an attempt to make sure that you've gone to your limit of verifying the persons address, legal state of residence and any known property that might be contested in a court of law...say community property, real estate, bank account, etc.

After satisfying those conditions, I was allowed to get a divorce without the requirement of their signature...of course...being in California at the time, I had the nice little 6 month count down period by law even after I did all that.

GL

Answer 2

hire a pi...he may clean out the bank accounts etc..but in the divorce it will all come out and he will get what is coming to him...if she hires a pi to find him she can then get the papers served..have her change the locks etc..on the house..so if he does go in he is breaking in

Answer 3

if you have any idea of where he lives, you can put an announcement in the paper...ask your attorney about it ... ive seen it done and that would count as notice

Answer 4

Every state has rules for alternative service when you can't physically serve the person.  The rules generally requires permission of the court but the court can allow all sorts of stuff, including just taking an add in the newspaper.  You really need a lawyer who can do this.  They can also get an order freezing accounts, requiring accounting for cars, temporary custody, temporary custody of the home, etc.  You should quit fooling around and get a lawyer involved now.

Answer 5

If you are unable to locate someone and can prove that you have tried, you can publish a notice in the newspaper and wait to see if he responds, if he does not respond the divorce can proceed without him.

Answer 6

Go to the web site,  inteius.com  i think that will help you fine him

Answer 7

Consult a lawyer. Around here, either spouse can put a retraining order against the other during the process of divorces. Also there maybe some legal actions that can be taken to serve the spouse. Every state is different in that matter.

Answer 8

I would hire a private investigator.  This is what there job is.  It might be expensive, but that would be my advice.  This guy can not just be living on cash.  have the private investigator track the credit cards.  Put a missing report out for the car and hopefully someone will spot it.