This is the first post in a series of articles which will address the subject of filing for divorce in Melbourne, Florida when your spouse is outside of the country. I feel it is necessary to write on this topic because many individuals do not know how to proceed when their spouse has moved out of the country in the midst of considering divorce. It is important to understand that it is still possible to file a case in such situations. The goal of my coming articles is to provide information which will help individuals to better understand their options. It is also my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of an attorney. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance, then contact my office today to speak with a Melbourne divorce lawyer. I also serve all of Brevard County and other areas.
I will address multiple topics over my coming articles. Issues which I will discuss include:
- Filing for divorce when your spouse has left the country and their location is not known
- Filing for divorce when your spouse is outside of the country and you know their location
- Filing for divorce if your spouse has been deported
- Litigating a divorce case when your spouse is outside of the country
I have chosen to address these topics for multiple reasons. First, spouses should know that they can still file for divorce even if their spouse is outside of the country and they do not know where they are. In order to do so, they can request “service by publication” in order to serve the other party. Second, it is important to be aware that even if your spouse lives in another country, you are entitled to file for divorce in Florida. The only requirement is that you have been a “resident” of the state for at least six months before filing. Third, Florida Courts will still grant a divorce when only one person is present for the proceedings. Therefore, one spouse can obtain a divorce even if the other spouse has been deported. Finally, commencing litigation against a spouse located in another country can pose challenges. It is important to consult with an experienced professional when handling such situations.
It is incredibly challenging to deal with a divorce when your spouse is overseas. These matters are complex and require multiple procedures to be followed. Taking matters into your own hands may only make matters worse. Retaining an attorney with experience in handling such issues can make the process far less stressful for yourself. Our Melbourne divorce lawyer understands that you may be facing a serious situation and we will give your case the attention it deserves. Contact us online or by telephone to schedule an initial consultation. We are looking forward to being of assistance. We also serve the Brevard County cities of Titusville, Cocoa, Palm Bay, Grant, Valkaria, and Rockledge, as well as in the Indian River County areas of Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Indian River Shores, and Orchid.