Skip Tracing for Law Firms & Attorneys

Professional investigation services that support every phase of litigation. We help attorneys locate defendants for service, find witnesses for depositions, identify heirs for probate matters, track judgment debtors, and conduct thorough due diligence investigations—all with courtroom-quality documentation. Our team has over 20 years of experience providing reliable intelligence to law firms nationwide.

⚖️ Practice Area Support

Our investigation services support attorneys across all practice areas where locating people or discovering assets is critical to case success. We understand the unique needs of different practice areas and tailor our services accordingly.

Each practice area presents distinct challenges. Litigation attorneys need to serve defendants and find witnesses. Family law practitioners need to uncover hidden assets and locate absent parents. Probate attorneys need to identify and find heirs. Collections lawyers need to locate debtors and discover collectible assets. We’ve worked with attorneys in all of these areas for over two decades, developing specialized expertise that delivers results.

📋 Our Services for Law Firms

We provide a comprehensive suite of investigation services designed specifically for legal practice. Each service can be ordered individually or combined with others for comprehensive intelligence that supports case strategy from inception through resolution.

📄 Service of Process Support

When you can’t serve a defendant because the address is unknown or outdated, our skip tracing services get you the current location you need—or document your due diligence for alternative service. This is one of the most common reasons law firms engage our services.

The Service Problem

Proper service of process is a jurisdictional requirement. Without valid service, your lawsuit may be dismissed or any judgment you obtain may be voidable. Yet defendants move, use PO boxes, and sometimes deliberately evade service. The address your client has may be months or years old. Process servers report “no such person at this address” and the case stalls.

This is where professional skip tracing makes the difference. We access databases that reveal current addresses—credit bureau headers showing where the defendant recently applied for credit, utility records showing where they connected services, employment records showing where they work. This current intelligence gets your process server to the right door.

How We Help

• Current Address: Find where defendants actually live using credit headers, utility records, DMV data, and employment information. Our 90%+ success rate means we find most defendants.
• Alternative Addresses: Identify workplace, relative residences, and other locations for service attempts when the primary residence proves difficult.
• Due Diligence Documentation: Provide detailed reports documenting all searches conducted to support due diligence declarations when service fails.
• Service by Publication Support: When defendants truly cannot be located, our documentation supports motions for service by publication by demonstrating reasonable efforts.

Service by Publication Requirements

When personal service proves impossible, courts may allow service by publication—publishing the summons in a newspaper. But courts require evidence that you made diligent efforts to locate the defendant. Our skip trace reports provide this evidence.

A proper due diligence declaration typically requires documenting searches of multiple databases, attempts to locate through relatives and associates, and verification that the defendant cannot be found at any known address. Our reports detail each database searched, when, and what was found, creating a comprehensive record that satisfies court requirements.

For detailed guidance on locating defendants, see our article on how to locate defendants for service and our guide to handling evasive defendants.

💔 Family Law Investigations

Family law matters frequently require investigation services—from locating absent parents to discovering hidden assets in divorce. We provide specialized support for family law practitioners.

Divorce Asset Investigation

When a spouse suspects the other is hiding assets, our hidden assets investigation can uncover what’s really there. We search for undisclosed real estate, vehicles registered in other names, business interests not revealed in discovery, and property transferred to family members or friends.

Timing matters in divorce asset investigation. Early investigation—before the other spouse knows you’re looking—often reveals the clearest picture. Once litigation becomes contentious, sophisticated parties may attempt to further conceal assets. We recommend investigation early in the process when possible.

Locate Absent Parents

Child support and custody matters often require locating parents who have moved without providing new addresses. Our skip traces find absent parents for service of process, modification petitions, and enforcement proceedings. We also provide employer information essential for wage withholding orders.

Cohabitation Investigation

When spousal support may be modified or terminated based on cohabitation, investigation can document living arrangements. We combine database searches with discreet investigation to establish whether a former spouse is cohabiting with a new partner.

💰 Judgment Enforcement Support

Winning a judgment is only half the battle—collecting it is where many firms need help. Our services support every phase of post-judgment enforcement, from locating the debtor to discovering assets available for collection.

The Collection Challenge

Studies show that fewer than 20% of civil judgments are ever collected in full. The primary obstacle isn’t that debtors lack assets—it’s that creditors lack information about those assets. Debtors move without forwarding addresses, hide assets in corporate structures, and assume creditors will eventually give up.

Professional skip tracing and asset investigation change this dynamic. We find debtors who’ve disappeared, discover assets they’re trying to hide, and provide the intelligence needed to pursue effective enforcement strategies.

Post-Judgment Skip Tracing

After obtaining judgment, you need current, verified information to pursue enforcement. Creditor information may be years old. The debtor may have deliberately disappeared. Our post-judgment skip traces focus on actionable intelligence:

• Current Address: Required for serving post-judgment discovery, recording liens, and domesticating judgments in other states.
• Current Employment: Essential for wage garnishment—the most reliable collection method. We identify and verify current employers.
• Bank Indicators: While we cannot access account balances directly, our searches reveal indicators of banking relationships that guide levy strategies.
• Property and Vehicles: Identify real estate and vehicles that may be subject to levy or lien.

For comprehensive judgment collection guidance, see our complete guide to collecting judgments, our article on what to do when debtors disappear, and information about post-judgment discovery.

Debtor Examination Support

Once you have a current address, you can subpoena the debtor for examination about their assets. Many debtors will negotiate payment rather than face questioning under oath. Our skip traces ensure you can actually serve the examination subpoena and provide background intelligence about what questions to ask.

Multi-State Enforcement

When judgment debtors have assets in multiple states, enforcement becomes more complex. Judgments must be domesticated in each state where you want to enforce. Our nationwide searches identify assets across all 50 states, helping you prioritize which jurisdictions to pursue and providing the address information needed for domestication filings.

👥 Witness Location Services

Witnesses are essential to litigation success, but they often prove difficult to find. People move, change names, and don’t necessarily want to be involved in lawsuits. Our witness location services help you find the people who can make your case.

Types of Witness Searches

We locate witnesses for various purposes in litigation:

• Deposition Witnesses: Find witnesses to serve with subpoenas for deposition. We provide current addresses and often phone numbers for pre-deposition contact.
• Trial Witnesses: Locate witnesses for trial testimony. Rush services available when trial dates approach and witnesses can’t be found.
• Character Witnesses: Find people who can testify about a party’s character, reputation, or habits relevant to the case.
• Expert Witnesses: Locate experts who’ve testified in similar cases or have relevant expertise for your matter.
• Accident Witnesses: Find people who witnessed accidents or incidents that gave rise to litigation. Often these witnesses weren’t properly identified at the scene.

Challenges in Witness Location

Witnesses present unique challenges compared to party location. You may have limited identifying information—perhaps just a name and city from a police report. The witness may have moved since the incident. They may have changed names through marriage. They may not want to be found.

Our investigators have extensive experience working with limited information. We combine database searches with investigative techniques to identify and locate witnesses even when starting information is sparse. When standard searches don’t succeed, enhanced investigation techniques often do.

Reluctant Witnesses

Some witnesses don’t want to be involved in litigation. They may have moved specifically to avoid being found. They may screen calls and ignore mail. For these situations, we can provide additional intelligence about daily patterns, workplace locations, and other information that helps process servers make contact.

🏛️ Heir Search Services

Probate matters often require locating heirs who may be unknown, estranged, or missing. Whether you’re administering an estate, pursuing a quiet title action, or handling will contests, we provide comprehensive heir search services.

Types of Heir Searches

We handle heir searches in various contexts:

• Intestate Succession: When someone dies without a will, state law determines who inherits. We identify and locate all heirs according to intestate succession statutes.
• Known Heir Location: When heirs are identified in wills or estate documents but cannot be found, we locate them for distribution.
• Unknown Heir Identification: Research to identify potential heirs not previously known—particularly important for estates requiring publication and notice to unknown heirs.
• Quiet Title Actions: Locate heirs of previous property owners to obtain quitclaim deeds or serve with quiet title complaints.
• Will Contests: Identify and locate potential heirs who may have standing to contest estate documents.

Genealogical Research

Complex heir searches may require genealogical research to construct family trees and identify all potential heirs. We combine traditional genealogical methods with modern database searches to identify relationships, then locate the individuals identified.

Our heir search reports document the research methodology and findings, providing evidence to support estate administration and satisfy court requirements for due diligence in locating heirs.

International Heir Searches

When heirs may be located in other countries, searches become more complex. We have resources for international heir location, though turnaround times and costs increase for overseas searches. For estates with international dimensions, early planning allows adequate time for thorough investigation.

Documentation Standards

Heir search reports document our research methodology, the sources consulted, and the basis for identifying each heir. This documentation supports fiduciary decision-making and provides evidence courts may require for approval of distributions. We understand that estate administrators need confidence that all heirs have been identified before making distributions.

🔎 Due Diligence Investigations

Thorough investigation of parties before and during litigation provides crucial strategic intelligence. Our due diligence investigations examine backgrounds, financial positions, and potential issues that affect case strategy.

Investigation Subjects

• Opposing Parties: Financial condition, litigation history, corporate relationships, hidden assets, insurance coverage indicators
• Witnesses: Background, credibility factors, potential biases, prior testimony, relationships to parties
• Experts: Qualifications, prior case involvement, testimony history, potential impeachment, disciplinary history
• Potential Clients: Verify claims, assess collectability of potential recovery, identify conflicts, evaluate credibility
• Business Partners: Financial stability, litigation history, regulatory issues, reputation factors

What We Examine

Comprehensive due diligence investigations examine multiple dimensions:

• Civil Litigation History: All civil court filings as plaintiff and defendant, outcomes, patterns
• Criminal History: Convictions, pending charges, patterns relevant to credibility
• Corporate Affiliations: Officer and director positions, LLC memberships, corporate structures
• Property Holdings: Real estate ownership, equity analysis, recent transfers
• Vehicle Ownership: Cars, boats, aircraft indicating lifestyle and assets
• Professional Licenses: Status, disciplinary history, restrictions
• Bankruptcy History: Prior filings, discharge status, assets disclosed
• Media Coverage: News reports, social media presence, reputation indicators

Strategic Value of Due Diligence

Due diligence investigation informs case strategy at every stage. Before filing, it helps assess whether defendants have collectible assets. During litigation, it reveals information useful for discovery and witness examination. Before settlement, it provides leverage and ensures you understand what’s really at stake.

Investment in early due diligence often saves significant expense later. Understanding your opponent’s true financial position prevents pursuing uncollectible judgments. Discovering litigation history reveals patterns and strategies. Finding credibility issues with witnesses shapes examination strategy.

🤝 Working With Our Team

We understand the demands of legal practice and structure our services to support efficient workflow.

Ordering Process

Orders can be placed by phone, email, or through our secure online portal. Provide the subject’s identifying information and specify the services needed. For rush requests, contact us directly to confirm availability and turnaround.

Communication

We provide status updates on complex investigations and are available to discuss findings or strategy. Your dedicated contact knows your matters and can provide context-sensitive guidance on investigation options.

Reporting

Reports are delivered electronically in formats suitable for your needs—whether for internal review or court filing. We can customize report formats for firms with specific requirements.

Confidentiality

All investigations are conducted under strict confidentiality. We understand attorney-client privilege and work product doctrine. Subject identities and case information are never disclosed.

💵 Pricing for Law Firms

Volume Arrangements

Law firms with regular investigation needs benefit from volume arrangements that reduce per-case costs and streamline ordering. Benefits include:

• Discounted pricing on all services
• Dedicated account manager
• Priority turnaround on all orders
• Monthly billing with detailed invoicing by matter
• Customized reporting formats

Contact us to discuss volume arrangements for your firm.

Rush Services

When deadlines loom, we offer expedited processing for time-sensitive matters. Rush fees apply, but we can often deliver basic skip traces same-day and more complex investigations within 24-48 hours when urgency requires.

📋 How We’ve Helped Law Firms

Service of Process Success

A litigation firm had been attempting to serve a defendant for three months without success. The address on file was the defendant’s former residence, and he had moved without leaving a forwarding address. Our skip trace identified his new address within 24 hours using utility connection records. The defendant was served the following day, and the case proceeded to successful resolution for the client.

Judgment Collection Breakthrough

A collections attorney had a $75,000 judgment but the debtor had seemingly disappeared. Skip trace revealed the debtor had relocated to another state and was working at a new employer. Asset search found two vehicles and a rental property. Armed with this intelligence, the attorney domesticated the judgment in the new state, garnished wages, and placed a lien on the rental property. The judgment was collected in full within eight months.

Hidden Assets Uncovered

In a high-asset divorce, the wife suspected her husband was hiding significant assets from discovery. Our investigation revealed three properties in neighboring states titled in LLC names that he controlled, a luxury vehicle registered to a relative who didn’t drive, and business interests not disclosed in discovery responses. This evidence transformed the settlement negotiations and resulted in a substantially more equitable division that protected the wife’s interests.

Witness Located for Trial

Two weeks before trial, a key witness could not be found at his last known address. The case could not proceed without his testimony. Our rush skip trace located him in a different city within hours. He was subpoenaed and testified, and the client prevailed at trial. This case illustrates how quickly we can respond when time is critical and the stakes are high.

💻 Our Technology and Methods

Premium Database Access

We subscribe to the leading skip tracing and investigative databases, including credit bureau header access, utility records, DMV databases, employment databases, and property records across all 50 states. Our database access exceeds what’s available to individual attorneys or general search services. This comprehensive access means more data points to search and better results for your investigations.

Experienced Investigators

Databases only tell part of the story. Our investigators have decades of combined experience interpreting data, identifying patterns, and pursuing leads that databases alone don’t reveal. When standard searches don’t find your subject, investigative experience often does. We know how people try to hide and the techniques that uncover them.

Our team includes former law enforcement, private investigators, and intelligence professionals who bring diverse skills to every investigation. This experience translates into better results for your firm and your clients.

Cross-Reference Verification

We don’t just report what databases say—we cross-reference information across multiple sources to verify accuracy. This verification prevents wasted service attempts on bad addresses and ensures the intelligence you receive is actionable. When database information conflicts, we dig deeper to determine which information is current and reliable.

Continuous Updates

Our database subscriptions include continuous updates, ensuring we’re searching the freshest available information. When someone moves or changes employers, we often see that change within days rather than the months that public records may require. This currency of information is critical when you need to locate someone quickly or make decisions based on current circumstances rather than historical data.

We also monitor changes in data access and privacy laws to ensure our searches remain compliant while maximizing available information.

🚀 Getting Started

Working with us is straightforward. Here’s how to begin your investigation:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions