How does this law work in Saint Louis Missouri if you want to do it yourself? And if it best to have a lawyer do it?

You totally misunderstand, you can not get a divorce by publication.

In fact publication is one just a form of service, If you don't know where the other party is, and can not service him or find him, you publish the case in the paper before appearing in court. ** just the publication can cost 300 to 600 dollars in some areas

After that you will have to show in court that you could not find them. And then you show your case in court.

So you will most likely need an attorney if you can't find the other party and have to use publication

I don't know what you mean by "how does it work." What part of the process don't you understand? You'e asked about service by publication. You don't know where your spouse is?

I wouldn't do my own divorce and I work in the legal field. There are too many factors to be considered.