(Should be) a simple divorce...

WilliamS2018

Okay everyone, so the husband hasn't responded. Missus has no other connection to him (no family, friends, kids, etc.) and hasn't had for more than a decade. The address we have for him is almost certainly correct as it's from the latest electoral roll, but no response.

Dispense with service next?

WilliamS2018

So the dispensing with service didn't work - the court wanted us to prove a bunch of negatives (like the husband's absence in social media). We applied to have bailiffs serve papers because we subsequently got an address for him, but we've heard nothing at all. Advice?

TBagpuss

When did you apply for bailiff service? Normally you will hear back one why or the other - i.e. either you will get a statement of service confirming that they have successfully served or you will get a letter setting out what attempts the bailiffs have made and that they were unsuccessful.  It can take a while, the court dealing with the divorce will need to send the papers to the court local to him, and then the bailiffs will have to try to serve. This can take a couple of months even in normal times. 
Have you followed up with the court to ask what the status of the bailiff service is? Checked that the ourt has got your application and when it was forward to the bailiffs. You may then be able to contact the court it's been sent to to ask what their timescales currently are for attempting personal service.

If they are unsuccessful , you will need to look at other options - if you are looking to dispense with service you will have to show you've taken all reasonable steps to bring it to his attention, which might include sending it c/o the last known addresses you have for his family (even if you haven't been in touch with them), sending it to him via any social media he has, possibly even taking out a small ad in his local paper.