In the state of Florida, parties to lawsuits must receive notification of the suit, and this notification is called “service.” Depending upon the nature of the suit, service may be valid when completed through the mail. However, there are certain types of actions that must be handled personally by an individual who hands the documentation to the party to the lawsuit, thereby “serving” the individual with notice. This action is a “service” or “process service.” What happens when the party cannot be located? That’s where a diligent search is required.
What is a Diligent Search?
When a party cannot be easily located, for example, at a last known address, then the plaintiff must show that they conducted a “diligent search.” Essentially, the plaintiff must show that significant research was undertaken to try to locate the individual, including investigating credit reports, running skip traces, and evaluating records, documents, and online media sites, just to name a few.
In addition, live investigative work may be required and may include visits to previous employers, interviewing people living at previous residences, contacting relatives, and the like. For most people, this work would be time consuming, and you would not know where or how to begin, nor would you have access to the databases necessary!
Professional Diligent Search Services
Because it is the plaintiff’s burden to show that a substantial search was underway before other types of service are allowable, hiring a professional search service may be the best choice to save time and money. Professionals who specialize in process service have access to the databases necessary to complete quick yet thorough online investigations. In addition, these organizations generally employ experienced professional investigators skilled at interview approaches that help them uncover the requested information.
If you find yourself needing to locate someone and have no idea where to begin, you might consider the services of a professional who can either find the individual, or conduct the research necessary and complete the Affidavit of Diligent Search required by the Florida court to demonstrate your efforts and allow the case to proceed.
