This article explains how you can force people to give you information in your divorce or family law case. This subject is called "discovery".Blank forms to print and fill out on your own, with how-to instructions for completing and filing. In a servicebypublication situation, the notice of pending divorce is published in the newspaper where the spouse is likely to see it. It must be issued at least 63 days prior to your hearing and you must follow rules as to content. Welcome to Washington State Courts. The law calls it "serving" discovery. It is not like serving court papers. Whoever effects service should fill out a declaration of service, sometimes called an affidavit of service or return of service. Discovery is a process during which you can acquire information that relates to your divorce from your spouse or others.