It’s a question we get all the time: “How do you actually find the person you need to serve?” Many people imagine a Hollywood-style private eye, but the reality is a mix of advanced technology and old-fashioned investigative fieldwork. When a defendant or witness is hard to locate, a professional process server doesn’t just give up; they open their toolbox.
This guide will show you exactly how a professional process server in Baton Rouge finds someone, using a powerful technique known as skip tracing.
Key Takeaways
- Process servers use a legal investigative method called skip tracing to locate individuals.
- The primary tool is access to professional, restricted-access databases that are not available to the public.
- Fieldwork, such as discreet observation or visiting known locations, is also a key part of the process.
- All methods used by professional firms are legally compliant with federal laws like the FCRA and GLBA.
The Starting Point: The Information You Provide
The search always begins with the information the client provides. The more accurate the initial details, the faster the search. Key pieces of information include:
- Full legal name and any known aliases.
- Last known address (even if it’s old).
- Date of birth.
- Last known place of employment.
Even small details can provide a crucial starting point for the investigation.
The Most Powerful Tool: Professional Databases 💻
This is the real secret weapon. A simple Google search won’t find someone who doesn’t want to be found. Professional process servers and investigators subscribe to powerful, legally-compliant databases that are not available to the general public.
These databases compile information from thousands of sources, allowing us to:
- Access Address Histories: See a person’s previous addresses to establish a pattern of movement.
- Identify Known Associates and Relatives: Find connections who may know the person’s current whereabouts.
- Verify Employment: Discover a current place of employment, which is often a reliable location for service.
Crucially, we cross-reference information from multiple databases to verify its accuracy before acting on it.
On-the-Ground Investigation: Good Old-Fashioned Fieldwork 🚗
Databases provide the leads, but fieldwork confirms them. Once we have a probable new address or workplace, our process servers use their on-the-ground skills.
This can include:
- Discreet Observation: Watching a location to confirm a person lives or works there.
- Neighborhood Canvassing: Professionally and ethically speaking with neighbors to confirm if a person is known in the area.
- Visiting a Workplace: Attempting service at a place of employment during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Is skip tracing legal?
- A: Yes. When performed by a professional for a legally permissible purpose (like serving court documents), skip tracing is a completely legal and accepted practice. Reputable firms adhere to laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
- Q: How long does it take to find someone?
- A: The time can vary. If the person has a recent public record, we might find them in a matter of hours. For more difficult cases, it can take several days of deep investigation.
- Q: Can you find someone with very little information?
- A: The more information we have, the better. However, with a name and a date of birth, our powerful databases can often uncover the leads we need to begin the search.
The Lafayette Process Servers LLC Advantage ✅
When you hire Lafayette Process Servers LLC (operating as Baton Rouge Process Servers), you are getting a team of skilled investigators. We don’t just deliver papers; we solve the puzzle of finding the person you need to serve. Our combination of advanced technology and experienced fieldwork gives us one of the highest success rates in the industry.
Don’t let a missing person stop your case. Contact us today to put our expert skip tracing team to work for you.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog post provides general information about skip tracing and is not a substitute for legal advice. All investigative activities are conducted in compliance with applicable state and federal laws. Please consult with a qualified attorney for advice on your specific legal situation.
📚 Sources & Further Reading
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): A federal law that regulates the collection and use of consumer information. [ FTC]
- Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA): A federal law that governs the protection of consumers’ private financial information. [FTC’s GLBA ]
- Lafayette Process Servers LLC (serving Baton Rouge): Your expert partner for skip tracing and process serving. [Baton Rouge Process Servers]
About the Author
Scott Frank is the founder of Lafayette Process Servers LLC with over 20 years of experience in Louisiana legal support. He is an expert in service of process, skip tracing.
