NEBRASKA Part 17

C. Notice by Publication

The third main way to give your spouse notice is by newspaper publication. This is used only if you do not know where your spouse is. Your lawyer will prepare a paper called an "Affidavit" for you to sign. By signing it, you are swearing that you do not know where your spouse is. It asks that the judge let you tell your spouse you have filed for divorce by placing a notice (like an ad) in a legal newspaper. Your lawyer can tell you which paper is the legal newspaper in your county. Your notice must run one day a week for three weeks. No one expects your spouse to see the notice and because of this, the judge cannot order your spouse to do certain things such as pay child support or alimony. If you serve your spouse using newspaper publication, the judge will be able to dissolve your marriage, award you custody of the children, award you property in your possession, but little else. That is why it is better to have your spouse sign a Voluntary Appearance or to serve by sheriff.