Service by Publication

Service of Divorce/Legal Separation Summons & Petition

Service by Publication is a last resort and can only be used if personal service did not work. This Service by Publication Forms Packet is available ONLY to assist individuals who are filing an action for divorce or legal separation. You have a responsibility to make every effort to make personal service if possible, which includes gathering reasonably available information from family and friends to try and determine the other party’s location, where the other party works, socializes, or car type and license plate number.

You may use this forms packet to attempt Service by Publication only if the following apply:

You have tried personal service through the Sheriff's Department or a Private Process Server
You have given them as much information as possible to help them find the other person
The Sheriff's Department or Process Server cannot find the other person after a diligent search
You have been given an Affidavit of Due Diligence/Not Found/ Attempted Service stating the other person could not be found. Keep this affidavit.

NOTE: Even if you were unable to find the other party using one of the primary methods, you must still have him/her served within the 90-day deadline established by statute. If you are unable to serve the other party within the required time limits, you may write a letter to the court within the 90-day time limit requesting up to 60 more days to have the other party served. You must then have the other party served by publication within the time limits provided by the court.

Service by Publication Pre-Judgment Forms Packet Service Forms Packet