Legal Question in Family Law in California
Can I file for divorce in California, even if my spouse resides in El Salvador?
3 Answers from Attorneys
If you meet the jurisdiction requirements for California, yes. You must have resided in California for the last six months and in whatever county you intend to file for the last three months.
Ms. Bridgford is correct, but omits key information. Unless your husband submits to the jurisdiction of the California courts, or there are grounds for valid "long-arm" jurisdiction over him, only the bare judgement of dissolution of marriage will be valid. You cannot obtain property/debt division, or child or spousal support orders unless the court obtains personal jurisdiction over him. If you have children, custody orders would be enforceable IF the children have resided with you in California. If not, those would not be valid either.
If you meet jurisdiction requirements as set forth by Ms. Bridgford, you can file. Whether your service will be proper with issues of personal jurisdiction as set forth by Mr. McCormick is another matter. I suggest you at least get a consultation with a family law attorney first.