State law asks that people conduct a good faith search to locate an absent spouse prior to filing for divorce. A diligent search will include making inquiries at the Department of Motor Vehicles and asking family and friends for information about a spouse's whereabouts. Publication of a notice in a newspaper regarding the upcoming divorce filing is also necessary. These efforts should eventually locate your spouse. Finding your spouse is important so that person can be served with divorce papers. This is essential before a court can move forward with the division of property.