Legal Question in Family Law in New York

Finding our if your ex-husband filed for divorce

YOUR POST:

I was married about fifteen years ago. My ex and I broke up about six months into the marriage. I have not seen or spoke to him in about fourteen years. I prefer not to have any contact at all with him. I don't know where he is. I want to find out if he filed for divorce before I file. Where can I find this information.

ANSWER:

You would have to check with the Vital Records office of every state in the nation, if you want to be absolutely sure. It would take a lot time and may involve expenses as well.

If what you want is to simply have a judge declare the bonds of matrimony to be legally and officially dessolved (and you seek no other relief from the court), and you have lived in Oregon for at least six consecutive months, you can file for divorce here in Oregon, doing so in the county in which you reside. You would have to pay a filing fee to the court (about $300 in most counties). Also, you would have to obtain a special court order allowing your husband to be "served by publication" since you do not know his exact whereabouts for personal service. Service by publication involves publishing a Notice regarding the divorce proceeding in the classified ad section of a newspaper of general circulation once a week for four consecutive weeks. And you can then get your decree from the court declaring your marriage to be dissolved.

LAWRENCE D. GORIN

Law Offices of L.D. Gorin

621 S.W. Morrison St., Suite 350

Portland, Oregon 97205

Phone: 503-224-8884 (afternoons, Pacific time)

Fax: 503-274-0818

E-mail: [email protected]