Is it valid for a woman to be divorced while her husband is traveling, or is his presence a condition?

Divorce occurs by the husband uttering it, even if the wife is absent or unaware, or by the ruling of a Muslim judge in some cases. Divorce is Islamically disliked and should only be resorted to when all means of reconciliation have failed. If the spouses can reconcile and live together amicably, even by overlooking shortcomings and waiving some rights, that is preferable to separation.