What if my spouse cannot be found or evades service of the divorce papers?

Florida law makes provision for constructive service by publication. Before doing so, a party will have to conduct due diligence in their search for the whereabouts of their spouse. They will be required to contact friend, relatives, employers, go through social media, contact the utilities, hospitals, and jails, and then file an affidavit with the court, which must be proven to the satisfaction of the judge that due diligence has been served. After which the judge will issue an order to the clerk of court, who will then post the divorce proceedings in two conspicuous places in the county and publish in the local newspaper two notices of the action. After 28 days, the clerk of court will file the certificate of compliance and the divorce will be able to proceed as if the person had been served.