What steps can I take to find my ex-husband in order to serve him divorce papers?

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What steps can I take to find my ex-husband in order to serve him divorce papers?

My husband and I have been seperated for 5 years and he has moved out from where we used to live. I have some ideas of where he is but not solid leads. I can’t afford an attorney or private investigator to find him but I do have his birth date, prior address and SSN.

Asked on April 18, 2012 under Family Law, New Jersey

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

Laws vary from state to state.  Generally you can take legal papers that need to be served to the post office to request the last known address or forwarding address for mail.  So if you know where he used to live or lives now you might be able to inquire.  Do you know who employs him?  He can be served at his employer.  There are services that run SS numbers but they are not generally legal.  You could have a service run his last known address and date of birth through the department of motor vehicles.  That is legal I believe.  And if you make all these efforts and still can not locate him your efforts are not in vain.  You can detail them in an affidavit and ask th court to allow you to serve by publiation in the paper.  Good luck. 


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