Help, Trouble serving papers to my ex-husband in Idaho

Seeking Advice
1

I’m having a really tough time serving papers to my ex-husband. The initial papers have been filed in Kootenai County, Idaho. My ex has not been involved in our children’s lives since 2019 and defaulted our divorce in 2023. I requested full custody and no child support due to his abusive nature. My current husband wants to adopt the girls, so we’re trying to terminate my ex-husband’s parental rights.

It’s been 9 months, and we still can’t serve him. His family is actively hiding him. He lives with his grandfather, who travels between Massachusetts and Florida, and they won’t cooperate with the process servers. We’ve spent a lot on various services without success, and our attorney hasn’t provided helpful solutions. I’m at my wit’s end. Any advice or creative ideas?

2

Consider posting your story on social media platforms like TikTok or Twitter. Share the details and maybe even his photo. It could catch the attention of someone who knows him.

3

Public attention might not be the best route if his family is hiding him. You really need a private investigator who specializes in this.

4

You could send the documents via certified mail to both known addresses. If that fails, ask the court to allow service by publication.

5

You might be able to ask the court to appoint an attorney to help serve him. If that attorney can’t find him, they can file for service by publication.

6

A PI can help find him. They know creative ways to serve people who are avoiding it, like following them or using delivery tricks.

7

Sonny said:
A PI can help find him. They know creative ways to serve people who are avoiding it, like following them or using delivery tricks.

I didn’t realize a PI could help in that way. I’ll definitely look into hiring one!

8

Thanks for the suggestions! I’m worried he doesn’t have much of a social life. Can PIs really lure someone out of their home?

9

A good PI can figure out his patterns, even if he doesn’t go out much. They can pose as delivery drivers or find other creative ways to get him to come outside.