A method of dissolving a marriage in Georgia when one spouse’s whereabouts are unknown, involving legal notifications in designated publications to satisfy due process requirements. This process is initiated when traditional methods of serving divorce papers are unsuccessful due to the defendant’s inability to be located. A typical scenario involves situations where a spouse has absconded and cannot be found through standard investigative means.
This alternative service method ensures access to the legal system for individuals seeking to end their marriage, even when direct contact with their spouse is impossible. Historically, it offered a recourse in cases of abandonment or estrangement, preventing individuals from being indefinitely bound to a marriage. The legal precedent necessitates rigorous attempts to locate the missing spouse before resorting to this method, protecting the rights of the absent party.
