Most defendants and witnesses are easy enough to locate, but occasionally, a process server will be assigned a target that is harder to find than a needle in a haystack. So what do process servers do when all their traditional tactics to locate people don’t work? Enter the skip trace.
What is a Skip Trace?
A skip trace is a method of locating a person who is difficult to find. The skip trace process uses various methods, such as public records searches, skip tracing software, social media tracking, and more to locate the person. The goal of a skip trace is to collect as much information about the individual as possible in order to track them down.
Why Would a Process Server Need to do a Skip Trace?
Process servers play a critical role in the legal process by locating defendants and witnesses. If these individuals cannot be located, the court may delay the case, incurring unnecessary expenses. In some cases, a process server may need to do a skip trace in order to locate a defendant or witness who is difficult to find.
How to Avoid the Need for a Skip Trace
The best way to avoid the need for a skip trace is to have good intel on the person you are looking for from your client. This includes their current address, phone number, and place of employment. All legal process should have, at a minimum, the target’s name and last known address. Use this information as a springboard to track the person to their current address, workplace, or frequent hangouts. Most targets don’t require skip trace level tracking to find.
Another way to avoid skip tracing on a hard-to-locate client is to plan an intercept at a location where they are required to visit, like an existing court date. Not only will catching the target at the courthouse give you easy access to serve them, but you’ll also have the added comfort of knowing that multiple police officers and bailiffs are nearby to help out if the target responds violently.
Process Servers With Skip Trace Experience
If you’re dealing with an elusive process recipient, call Accurate Serve® in Jacksonville at (904) 735-7810 or contact us online for more information on our skip trace services, or send us a work request online. For service outside of Duval County, visit www.theaccurateservefranchise.com for locations nationwide.
