How Skip Tracing Works: A Complete Guide for Attorneys

In the practice of law, one of the most frustrating challenges attorneys face is the inability to locate individuals critical to their cases. Whether you're trying to serve a defendant who has seemingly vanished, locate a witness with crucial testimony, or track down a judgment debtor who owes your client substantial sums, the inability to find these individuals can bring legal proceedings to a standstill.

Skip tracing—the investigative process of locating individuals who have become difficult to find—has become an essential tool in the legal arsenal. This comprehensive guide explains how skip tracing works, the methodologies employed, the data sources utilized, and the best practices attorneys should follow when engaging skip tracing services.

Why Attorneys Need Skip Tracing Services

Legal proceedings often depend on locating specific individuals, and traditional methods of contact—phone books, directory assistance, or basic online searches—frequently prove inadequate. People move without updating their information, intentionally avoid detection, or simply become difficult to locate through conventional means.

For attorneys, the consequences of being unable to locate an individual can be severe:

• Cases remain unresolved when defendants cannot be properly served
• Judgments go unenforced when debtors cannot be found
• Witness testimony is lost when key individuals disappear
• Client relationships suffer due to delayed or unsuccessful outcomes
• Billable hours increase without productive results

Professional skip tracing services provide the investigative expertise, database access, and analytical capabilities necessary to locate individuals efficiently and cost-effectively, allowing legal professionals to focus on practicing law rather than conducting investigations.

Common Legal Use Cases for Skip Tracing

Skip tracing serves multiple purposes within legal practice. Understanding these applications helps attorneys recognize when professional location services can benefit their cases.

Judgment Enforcement and Debt Collection

Winning a judgment represents only half the battle; collecting on that judgment requires locating the debtor and identifying attachable assets. Skip tracing services help attorneys:

• Locate judgment debtors who have moved or hidden their whereabouts
• Identify current employment for wage garnishment purposes
• Discover bank accounts, real property, and other attachable assets
• Determine whether the debtor has sufficient assets to make collection worthwhile

In post-judgment collection matters, comprehensive skip tracing that includes both location and asset discovery significantly increases recovery rates.

Service of Process

Proper service of process constitutes a constitutional requirement, yet serving defendants who actively avoid process servers or who have relocated without notice presents substantial challenges. Skip tracing helps establish:

• Current residential addresses for personal service
• Employment locations for service at the workplace
• Alternative addresses for substitute service
• Documented evidence of diligent search efforts for service by publication

Witness Location

Critical witnesses often become difficult to locate as time passes. Former employees leave companies, accident witnesses move to new cities, and expert witnesses change firms. Skip tracing helps attorneys:

• Locate fact witnesses who have moved since an incident occurred
• Find former employees with knowledge of relevant events
• Track down expert witnesses for deposition or trial testimony
• Identify additional witnesses mentioned in documents or other testimony

Probate and Estate Matters

Estate administration frequently requires locating heirs, beneficiaries, or creditors who may not be in regular contact with the deceased's family. Skip tracing assists in:

• Locating beneficiaries named in wills or trusts
• Finding intestate heirs entitled to estate distributions
• Identifying and notifying potential creditors
• Locating individuals with knowledge of the decedent's assets or affairs

Class Action and Mass Tort Litigation

Large-scale litigation often involves locating numerous potential class members or claimants who may have moved or changed contact information since the relevant events. Skip tracing enables legal teams to:

• Update outdated contact information for class members
• Locate potential additional plaintiffs
• Verify current addresses for notice requirements
• Reduce the number of undeliverable legal notices

The Skip Tracing Process: Step-by-Step

Professional skip tracing follows a systematic investigative process designed to efficiently locate individuals while maintaining legal and ethical standards. Understanding this process helps attorneys provide appropriate information to skip tracers and interpret the results received.

Step 1: Information Gathering and Case Intake

Successful skip tracing begins with collecting all available information about the subject. Even seemingly insignificant details can prove valuable in the location process. Professional skip tracers typically request:

• Full legal name including any known aliases, maiden names, or variations
• Date of birth or approximate age range
• Social Security Number (if available; not always required)
• Last known address and previous addresses
• Phone numbers associated with the individual
• Email addresses and social media profiles
• Employment history including current and former employers
• Vehicle information (make, model, license plate)
• Known associates including relatives, friends, employers, or business partners
• Physical description (height, weight, distinguishing features)
• Photographs if available

The more comprehensive the initial information, the more efficient and accurate the skip trace becomes. Attorneys should provide all available data even if it seems outdated, as historical information often leads to current whereabouts.

Step 2: Database Research and Analysis

Professional skip tracers access specialized databases not available to the general public. These proprietary systems aggregate information from numerous sources and employ sophisticated algorithms to identify patterns, connections, and current information.

This research phase typically involves:

• Credit header searches revealing addresses where the subject has applied for credit
• Utility connection records showing where electricity, water, gas, or internet services are active
• Property ownership databases identifying real estate holdings
• Vehicle registration records revealing current addresses associated with vehicle ownership
• Professional license databases for licensed professionals
• Court records including civil and criminal filings
• Business entity records showing company ownership or officer positions

Step 3: Public Records Investigation

Beyond commercial databases, skip tracers examine publicly available records that may contain current location information or clues to whereabouts:

• Property tax records indicating real property ownership
• Voter registration databases showing current registered addresses
• Professional licensing boards requiring updated contact information
• Marriage and divorce records revealing name changes and associations
• Birth and death records providing family connections
• Bankruptcy filings containing detailed financial and contact information
• Federal and state court records showing involvement in litigation

Step 4: Social Media and Digital Footprint Analysis

The digital age has created new avenues for locating individuals. Many people maintain active social media presence without realizing the location information they reveal. Professional skip tracers analyze:

• Social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter/X)
• Photo metadata containing geolocation information
• Posted content revealing current activities, employers, or locations
• Friend and follower connections indicating associations
• Check-ins and location tags showing frequently visited places
• Professional networking sites listing current employment

Step 5: Associate and Relative Interviews (When Appropriate)

In some cases, particularly when direct information proves elusive, skip tracers may conduct discreet inquiries with known associates, relatives, neighbors, or former employers. This human intelligence gathering follows strict protocols:

• Investigators identify themselves appropriately
• Inquiries remain discreet and professional
• Pretexting and deceptive practices are avoided
• Privacy concerns are respected
• Information is documented for verification

Step 6: Verification and Validation

Locating an address represents only the first step; verification ensures the information is current and accurate. Professional skip tracers employ multiple verification methods:

• Cross-referencing multiple databases to confirm consistency
• Phone number validation checking whether numbers are active and associated with the subject
• Address verification confirming the subject resides at the identified location
• Drive-by verification (when appropriate) confirming physical presence
• Recent activity indicators ensuring information is current rather than historical

Step 7: Comprehensive Report Delivery

Professional skip tracing services provide detailed reports documenting findings and methodologies. These reports typically include:

• Current contact information including addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses
• Employment details when identified
• Vehicle information if relevant
• Known associates and relatives with their contact information
• Property ownership records when applicable
• Historical address information showing movement patterns
• Confidence level assessment indicating reliability of the information
• Research methodology notes documenting sources consulted

Data Sources Used in Professional Skip Tracing

The effectiveness of skip tracing depends heavily on access to comprehensive, current data sources. Professional skip tracers utilize a combination of proprietary databases, public records, and investigative techniques.

Credit Bureau Data and Credit Headers

Credit headers—the non-financial portion of credit reports—provide valuable location information without requiring permissible purpose under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Credit headers include:

• Names and name variations
• Current and historical addresses
• Dates addresses were reported
• Phone numbers associated with credit applications

This data proves particularly valuable because it updates whenever the subject applies for credit, opens utility accounts, or engages in other activities requiring credit checks.

Utility Connection Records

Utility databases track where individuals establish essential services. Most people need electricity, water, gas, internet, or phone service, making these records highly valuable for location purposes. Utility data reveals:

• Current service addresses
• Connection and disconnection dates
• Service types (indicating residential vs. business locations)
• Contact phone numbers provided during service setup

Department of Motor Vehicles Records

Vehicle registration and driver's license databases provide current address information that individuals must update regularly to remain in compliance with state laws. DMV data includes:

• Current address associated with vehicle registrations
• Driver's license addresses
• Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers
• Registration renewal dates indicating recent activity

Property and Tax Records

Real property ownership creates a public record trail. Property records databases reveal:

• Current property ownership
• Property tax payment addresses
• Property descriptions and values
• Transfer history showing purchase and sale patterns
• Mortgage information

Court and Legal Records

Civil and criminal court filings contain addresses and other identifying information. These records prove particularly valuable when subjects have been involved in recent litigation:

• Addresses listed in legal documents
• Attorney contact information
• Employment information disclosed in depositions or interrogatories
• Asset information revealed in financial disclosure

Professional License Databases

Individuals holding professional licenses (attorneys, doctors, contractors, real estate agents, etc.) must maintain current contact information with licensing boards. These databases provide:

• Business addresses
• Contact phone numbers and email addresses
• Employment or practice information
• License status and renewal dates

Business Entity Records

Secretary of State business entity databases reveal company ownership, officer positions, and registered agent information. For business owners and corporate officers, these records provide:

• Business addresses
• Registered agent addresses (often personal residences)
• Officer and director contact information
• Annual report filing addresses

Best Practices for Attorneys Using Skip Tracing Services

To maximize the effectiveness of skip tracing services and ensure compliance with legal and ethical requirements, attorneys should follow these best practices.

Provide Comprehensive Initial Information

The quality of skip tracing results correlates directly with the quality of information provided. Supply skip tracers with:

• All available identifying information, even if outdated
• Context about the case and why you need to locate the individual
• Any time constraints or urgency factors
• Previous unsuccessful location attempts and methods used
• Specific information needs (e.g., just address, or employment and assets as well)

Choose Reputable, Compliant Service Providers

Not all skip tracing services operate with the same professional and ethical standards. When selecting a provider, consider:

• Industry certifications and memberships in professional associations
• Clear compliance policies regarding FCRA, DPPA, GLBA, and state privacy laws
• Transparent methodologies that avoid illegal or unethical practices
• Professional liability insurance covering investigative services
• References and track record with other legal professionals
• Clear reporting standards documenting sources and verification

Maintain Proper Documentation

Document your use of skip tracing services for case files and potential court proceedings:

• Retain all skip trace reports and communications
• Document why skip tracing was necessary
• Maintain records of information provided to skip tracers
• Preserve reports for potential use in establishing due diligence
• Create case file notes about skip trace results and subsequent actions

Understand Permissible Purpose Requirements

Various federal laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), and Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), restrict access to certain types of information. Ensure your use of skip tracing services involves a permissible purpose:

• Litigation involving the subject
• Enforcement of judgments or obligations
• Compliance with court orders
• Service of process
• Estate administration

Reputable skip tracing services will verify permissible purpose before conducting searches and will refuse requests that lack proper legal basis.

Respect Privacy and Ethical Boundaries

While skip tracing is legal when conducted properly, attorneys must ensure the process respects individual privacy rights:

• Use skip tracing only for legitimate legal purposes
• Avoid harassment or intimidation tactics
• Comply with communication restrictions (e.g., FDCPA for debt collection)
• Respect privilege and confidentiality when contacting third parties
• Consider the proportionality of investigative efforts to the matter at hand

Communicate Clearly About Expectations and Timelines

Establish clear communication with your skip tracing provider:

• Discuss realistic timelines for results
• Clarify what constitutes a successful locate
• Establish protocols for urgent requests
• Understand the provider's refund or continuation policies
• Maintain open communication if circumstances change

Turnaround Times and Setting Expectations

Understanding typical skip tracing timelines helps attorneys plan accordingly and set appropriate client expectations.

Standard Skip Trace Timelines

Most professional skip traces fall into these timeframe categories:

• Routine cases (1-3 business days): Subjects with recent activity in databases, stable residence patterns, and multiple data points typically locate quickly through database research.
• Moderate difficulty (3-7 business days): Subjects who have moved recently, have limited database presence, or require verification through multiple sources need additional research time.
• Difficult cases (1-2 weeks): Subjects actively avoiding detection, with minimal database presence, or requiring extensive verification may need more comprehensive investigation.
• Complex investigations (2+ weeks): Cases requiring surveillance, extensive associate interviews, or subjects who have taken significant steps to hide their whereabouts may need extended investigation.

Factors Affecting Skip Trace Duration

Several factors influence how quickly a subject can be located:

• Quality of initial information: Comprehensive starting data accelerates the process
• Recent database activity: Subjects who have recently moved, changed jobs, or applied for credit generate fresh data
• Subject's lifestyle: Property owners, licensed professionals, and employed individuals leave more discoverable trails
• Geographic factors: Some jurisdictions maintain better public records than others
• Subject's intent: Those actively hiding prove more difficult to locate
• Time elapsed: Recently updated information is more readily available

Managing Client Expectations

Attorneys should set realistic expectations with clients regarding skip tracing:

• Explain that success rates, while high, are not 100%
• Clarify that some subjects may be genuinely untraceable
• Discuss the difference between locating an address and confirming current residence
• Explain that additional investigation may be necessary if initial results prove inaccurate
• Consider the cost-benefit analysis of extensive skip tracing efforts

Real-World Case Study: Judgment Enforcement Success

To illustrate how skip tracing works in practice, consider this anonymized case example:

The Situation

A commercial litigation attorney obtained a substantial judgment for a client in a breach of contract case. The defendant, a business owner who personally guaranteed the contract, had failed to pay the judgment. Service at the defendant's last known business address was returned as "business closed," and the residential address on file was a rental property the defendant had vacated eight months earlier. The attorney needed to locate the defendant to pursue garnishment and asset recovery.

Initial Information Available

• Full legal name and date of birth from court records
• Previous business address (no longer valid)
• Previous residential address (vacated)
• Social Security Number from a previous credit application in the case file
• Spouse's name from marriage records
• Professional license number (contractor's license)

Skip Trace Process

The professional skip tracer employed a multi-step approach:

1. Database searches revealed the defendant had registered a vehicle in a neighboring county six weeks prior, providing a potential current address.
2. Property records showed the defendant did not own real property in his name but did appear on a recent deed as a co-owner with his spouse in a nearby town.
3. Utility records confirmed electric service connected at the property address matching the vehicle registration and property records.
4. Professional license database showed an updated business address for a new contracting business.
5. Corporate records confirmed the defendant had formed a new LLC with the business address matching the license database.
6. Credit header data showed recent credit inquiries associated with the new residential address.
7. Social media analysis revealed business social media pages listing the new business address and phone number.

Results and Outcome

Within four business days, the skip tracer provided a comprehensive report including:

• Current verified residential address
• New business name and address
• Business phone number and email
• Vehicle information for identification purposes
• Property co-ownership information
• Bank name associated with the new business (for potential garnishment)

Armed with this information, the attorney successfully served post-judgment discovery, obtained information about the defendant's business income, and negotiated a payment plan that resulted in full satisfaction of the judgment over 18 months.

Key Lessons from This Case

• Multiple data sources provided verification and confidence in the results
• Professional license databases proved valuable for locating a business owner
• Comprehensive reporting included not just location but also asset information useful for collection
• The skip trace investment (approximately $250) led to recovery of a five-figure judgment

Conclusion: Making Skip Tracing Work for Your Practice

Skip tracing has evolved from the traditional "skip tracer" manually searching phone books and knocking on doors to a sophisticated investigative process employing advanced databases, analytical techniques, and professional expertise. For attorneys, professional skip tracing services provide an essential tool for locating witnesses, serving defendants, enforcing judgments, and advancing client matters.

The key to successful skip tracing lies in understanding the process, providing comprehensive initial information, selecting reputable service providers, and maintaining realistic expectations. When integrated properly into legal practice, skip tracing transforms impossible-seeming location challenges into routine investigative matters, allowing attorneys to move cases forward rather than abandoning them due to inability to locate key individuals.

As technology continues to advance and data sources multiply, skip tracing will only become more effective and efficient. Attorneys who understand how to leverage these services effectively gain a significant advantage in serving their clients and achieving successful case outcomes.

Additional Resources

For more information about skip tracing and related legal services, explore these related articles:

• FDCPA Compliance in Skip Tracing: What Debt Collectors Must Know
• Skip Tracing for Real Estate Investors: Finding Property Owners
• Understanding Skip Tracing Databases: A Technical Overview