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What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? OK

Ok, so I will just say in advance, yes, shoot me, I made a mistake and I need to know what to do next.

My husband abandoned me and my children while I was deployed. I knew where he lived up until about a week ago. I filed for divorce when I got back at the beginning of May. At that time, he agreed he didn't want a messy battle and said he would sign the waiver of appearance.

Well, of course, I decided to mail the copy of the decree and the waiver to him to have notarized and to sign and he was supposed to mail it back. I waited and waited and never got it. He kept saying he was going to send it back but never did. I DID NOT send it certified mail (I know, I know) because I was trying to save as much money as possible.

I had the JAG office draw up these papers for me while I was in Kuwait and spent the money to go to my county courthouse to have it filed. Now that I don't know where he lives and I don't have the signed waiver, I know that I need to file based on abandonment.

Am I going to need a lawyer to do this portion? Since I don't have the signed waiver, how do I get a court date for a hearing? Do I go to court first and then get permission to serve him via public notice? I really REALLY can't afford representation by a lawyer. JAG can draw up any paperwork I need but won't represent me.

He is not going to show up or fight me. This much I know for sure. I just want this done.
 



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