text: Well, if he is not in the state you cannot get personal jurisdiction over him unless he has certain minimum contacts with your state (complicated - ask your lawyer)\n\nIf he has property or assets in the state you can get in rem jurisdiction over him\n\nIf he shows up to defend the suit, you can get jurisdiction over him unless he makes a 'special appearance' - an appearance just to contest jurisdiction (if he argues anything else it is waived)