Divorce by Publication
Complete divorce when your spouse cannot be located
About This Service
Can't find your spouse? You can still get divorced. When your spouse cannot be located despite diligent efforts, Florida allows service by publication—publishing notice in a newspaper. We handle the entire process: preparing your petition, documenting your search efforts, coordinating publication, and obtaining your default final judgment.
What's Included
Ideal For
- Spouse whereabouts unknown
- Spouse left and hasn't been heard from
- Unable to locate spouse after reasonable efforts
- Spouse avoiding service
This Service May Not Be Right If...
- →Cases where spouse's address is known (use standard service)
- →Divorces with minor children (requires additional steps)
Common Questions
What is a diligent search?
Before the court allows service by publication, you must demonstrate reasonable efforts to locate your spouse. We coordinate with a professional process server who conducts a skip trace investigation—checking databases, public records, last known addresses, and more—then prepares the Affidavit of Diligent Search. Their investigation fee is invoiced separately (we'll forward the invoice to you).
How long does publication take?
The notice must run in an approved newspaper once a week for 4 consecutive weeks. After that, there's a waiting period before we can request a default judgment. Total timeline is typically 8-12 weeks.
What additional fees should I expect?
Two fees are paid separately: (1) Process server fee for the diligent search investigation and affidavit (typically $75-250), and (2) Newspaper publication fee (typically $100-200). We'll coordinate both and forward invoices to you for payment.
What if my spouse shows up after publication?
If your spouse responds before the default judgment is entered, the case becomes contested and proceeds normally. If they appear after the judgment, they may be able to petition to set it aside in limited circumstances.
Can I get alimony or property division through publication?
Service by publication gives the court jurisdiction over your marriage (so you can get divorced) but limited jurisdiction over your spouse personally. Property division and alimony may be limited. We'll explain what's possible in your situation.
+ $44.96 processing fee
Not included: Court filing fees ($300-$410 depending on case type and county, plus a ~4% statutory convenience fee for card payments), process server fees, notary fees, and other third-party costs are paid separately and are not included in this price.
A payment processing fee (2.9% + $0.30) will be added at checkout as a separate line item.
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