Louisiana divorce without knowing wife's location

**lilrebel68** · 12-17-2006, 12:00 PM

I left my wife about 7 years ago for personal reasons. but now i need to get divorced so i can move on. she has always said she would never divorce me, and i dont know exactly where she is. i know how to contact her mom, but she wont tell me anything. I dont even know where to start. we dont have any kids or property. and she's just spiteful enough not to sign the papers. but i dont think she could afford to fight it. HELP! i have no idea where to start. thx

**seniorjudge** · 12-17-2006, 03:10 PM

You start by hiring a lawyer.

The lawyer will serve her by publication.

**lilrebel68** · 12-17-2006, 04:06 PM

well, i didnt know if i should try to do it myself or hire a lawyer. I am a truck driver and dont have the time to do the research and preparation to go to court and competently represent myself. Can it be done? Can anyone choose to represent himself in court, instead of hiring counsel? do judges look at someone who represents himself differently than someone who hires counsel? if so why is that? thx for taking the time to answer.

**seniorjudge** · 12-17-2006, 04:10 PM

Q: Can it be done?

A: Yes.

Q: Can anyone choose to represent himself in court, instead of hiring counsel?

A: Yes.

Q: do judges look at someone who represents himself differently than someone who hires counsel? if so why is that?

A: I can't talk for all judges. All I know is that some of the pro se parties I have had are very good and some are quite awful...same as lawyers. Just don't expect the judge or the other lawyer to give you any help.

**lilrebel68** · 12-18-2006, 08:27 AM

i just talked to an attorney who said that i would have to go to court and have the court appoint a "curator", another attorney to place the ad serving as notice to my wife that i have filed for divorce.. and they want a $2500-3000 retainer!! That is ridiculous. I could do the preliminary paperwork myself for a lot less and just ask the judge to appoint the curator, pay them, and wait for the time required. we dont have any kids to fight over, no property, no retirement, no life insurance, nothing to fight over. Sounds like a whole lot of money for nothing. why dont i just open a window and throw the money out and hope the wind blows it back in? i am sorry but that is just outrageous and there is no reason for that kind of gouging.

where would i find the wording to a "motion to request an appointment of a curator"? any help will be appreciated. thx shawn

**seniorjudge** · 12-18-2006, 08:30 AM

Quoting lilrebel68

i just talked to an attorney who said that i would have to go to court and have the court appoint a "curator", another attorney to place the ad serving as notice to my wife that i have filed for divorce.. and they want a $2500-3000 retainer!! That is ridiculous. I could do the preliminary paperwork myself for a lot less and just ask the judge to appoint the curator, pay them, and wait for the time required. we dont have any kids to fight over, no property, no retirement, no life insurance, nothing to fight over. Sounds like a whole lot of money for nothing. why dont i just open a window and throw the money out and hope the wind blows it back in? i am sorry but that is just outrageous and there is no reason for that kind of gouging.

where would i find the wording to a "motion to request an appointment of a curator"? any help will be appreciated. thx shawn

If you want to do this yourself, Google

louisiana do it yourself divorce

Then go study in the nearest law library.

Sorry, it's just not easy. Lawyers set it up that way.

**aaron** · 12-18-2006, 10:12 AM

You can usually find a "how to handle your own divorce"-type book at a major book chain (e.g., Barnes and Noble or Borders) or online through a site like Amazon. The books typically contain forms and instructions.

**lilrebel68** · 12-18-2006, 10:13 AM

thank you for all your advice, Judge. I really do appreciate it. but its frustrating that we (the public) let lawyers make the simple things (things we could do ourselves) as difficult as possible. it shouldnt be that complicated. believe me if i was on trial or was involved in a complicated case, i would hire a lawyer in a minute. but over something like this, i would like to do it myself. i just need to know who to talk to in order to get the information i need. or someone just to point me in the right direction, you know. hopefully i can feel free to ask you if i need some guidance? thx Shawn