What does 'service by publication' mean in my divorce case?

It means the court will notify the missing spouse by publishing notice in a newspaper because their location is unknown.

Will the divorce proceed if the defendant doesn't respond?

Yes; the court can move forward and may grant the divorce without the defendant's participation after publication requirements are met.

What is a poverty affidavit and how does it help?

It's a sworn statement claiming inability to pay court fees, allowing the plaintiff to seek fee waivers to proceed with the case.

Court Notice — 18083 State Route 243, Chesapeake, OH (25-DR-746)

Official courthouse record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research

Divorce

Affects:DefendantsGeneral Public

This notice is an affidavit for service by publication in a divorce case where the defendant, George R. Stanley, cannot be located at his last known address of 18083 St. Rt. 243, Chesapeake. The plaintiff seeks service by publication and has filed a poverty affidavit to proceed without fees.

Key Takeaways

Divorce case (25-DR-746) with service by publication requested
Defendant last known address: 18083 St. Rt. 243, Chesapeake, OH
Plaintiff filed a poverty affidavit to waive costs
Defendant's whereabouts unknown after reasonable inquiry

Published: May 16, 2026 · 4 days ago
Category: Court Notice
City: Chesapeake
Address: 18083 State Route 243, Chesapeake, OH · 2 filings

Case #

25-DR-746

Research context

2 filings at this address 3 court notice notices in Chesapeake (last 12 months)

View full case dossier

All filings for #25-DR-746 with AI case analysis

If you don't respond

If the defendant does not respond after service by publication is completed, the court may proceed in the defendant's absence, potentially granting the divorce without their input. No specific deadline is listed in this affidavit.

What to do next

1
Monitor local public notices
Watch the county newspaper for the published notice as required for service by publication.
2
Confirm publication filing
Contact Lawrence County Clerk of Courts to verify the affidavit and publication filings for case 25-DR-746.
3
Consult an attorney
If you are the defendant, contact an attorney immediately to respond once publication appears to protect your rights.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'service by publication' mean in my divorce case?: It means the court will notify the missing spouse by publishing notice in a newspaper because their location is unknown.
Will the divorce proceed if the defendant doesn't respond?: Yes; the court can move forward and may grant the divorce without the defendant's participation after publication requirements are met.
What is a poverty affidavit and how does it help?: It's a sworn statement claiming inability to pay court fees, allowing the plaintiff to seek fee waivers to proceed with the case.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

service by publication: Notifying a defendant by publishing notice in a newspaper when their whereabouts are unknown.
poverty affidavit: A sworn statement saying the filer cannot afford court fees, requesting fee waivers.
Civ.R. 4.4(A)(2)(b): Ohio civil rule allowing service by posting/publication when personal service isn't possible.

Full Notice Text

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS 
DOMESTIC RELATIONS DIVISION 
LAWRENCE COUNTY, OHIO 
TEDDIE L. STANLEY PLAINTIFF V. GEORGE R. STANLEY DEFENDANT 
CLERK OF COURTS LAWRENCE COUNTY, OH 
CASE NUMBER: 25-DR-746 
JUDGE: 
AFFIDAVIT REGARDING SERVICE VIA PUBLICATION 
BY POSTING [CIV.R. 4.4(A)(2)(b)] 

TEDDIE L. STANLEY, being first duly sworn, deposes and says that he/she is the Plaintiff in the within action; that this is an action for divorce against GEORGE R STANLEY, Defendant/Respondent; that the Defendant's last known address is 18083 ST. RT. 243, CHESAPEAKE, OHIO 45619; that Defendant/Respondent's present whereabouts are unknown to myself; that by reasonable diligence, inquiry of former associates and family members, and by correspondence, it has been ascertained that service can only be had on Defendant/Respondent by publication; that the Plaintiff / Petitioner is proceeding with a poverty affidavit, and that this affidavit is made in pursuance to law in such case