WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE IN A FLORIDA DIVORCE WHEN THE RESPONDENT IS AVOIDING SERVICE
📜✨ Getting a divorce in Florida and your spouse is avoiding service? Don't worry, there are several options available to ensure they are properly served and the process moves forward. Here are the primary methods to consider: 1️⃣ Personal Service by Sheriff or Private Process Server: Hire the sheriff’s office or a private process server to personally deliver the divorce papers. They can make multiple attempts at different times and locations to catch the respondent. 2️⃣ Constructive Service (Service by Publication): If you can't locate the respondent or they're avoiding service, seek court approval to serve by publication. This means publishing a notice in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks. Remember to file an affidavit of diligent search and inquiry and a proof of publication with the court. 3️⃣ Substitute Service: If the respondent is avoiding service at home, the process server can leave the papers with anyone 15 years or older at the respondent's usual place of abode and inform them of the contents. 4️⃣ Service by Mail: If the respondent agrees, they can be served by mail. They must sign an Acceptance of Service to acknowledge receipt of the documents. 5️⃣ Service on an Attorney: If the respondent has an attorney, you can serve the papers on the attorney, provided they accept service on the respondent's behalf. 6️⃣ Service Outside the State: If the respondent is out of state, serve them according to the service rules of their location or any method reasonably calculated to give actual notice.