What Is Skip Tracing, and How Is It Used by Private Process Servers?

When you have a legal matter pending that is being held up by lack of document service, it can be very frustrating. Private process servers do have ways to find people who need to be served, even when they don’t want to be found. This is called skip tracing. Here’s what it is and how it is used by private process servers.

What Is Skip Tracing?

Skip tracing is the process of locating someone who does not want to be found or who has simply moved without a forwarding address. It is usually done through online companies and websites that the process server will filter through looking for the individual to be served. Skip tracing involves going through public records, including marriage licenses, other court cases, traffic tickets, and property deeds. 

Often, skip tracing involves simply putting the individual’s name and as much information about them as you can into a search engine that searches all of these records for you. However, there is a cost for these services, and that cost is likely to be passed on to you, the consumer. Some process servers may look through the records themselves, but this is time consuming and may also come with an additional charge.

Private Detectives

Sometimes skip tracing through public records does not reveal where an individual can be found to be served. In these situations, private process servers will hire private detectives to find the individuals for them. Private detectives also use similar methods of skip tracing, but often on a larger scale.

If you have papers that need to be served to someone who can’t be found, we can help. Contact us today for more information or to get started.