Checking Addresses Prior to Attempting Service

You have received papers to serve from your clients, and you’ve logged the jobs into your process server software program. Now it’s time to organize your papers to begin attempts. As you plan your route, what steps do you take to check the address prior to attempting? In many instances basic research can help you be more efficient when serving, saving you time and money. In this article, we share tips on checking your addresses before you hit the road.

Confirm the Address Validity

An easy first step should be to confirm the address is valid. Two quick ways to do this are:

• Mapping or Routing Software - Google Maps, iMaps, Roadwarrior, and other routing applications can typically determine if there is a problem with an address simply by adding the address to your route. Examples would be incorrect spelling of a street name, no such street number on the street, and missing details on an address, such as whether 1015 10th Street is really 1015 N 10th St. versus 1015 S 10th Street. In many cases, these errors are the results of typos.
• Property Appraiser/Property Assessor - If the address does not check out, look up the address on the property appraiser’s website. If there is a typo in the street name you may be able to locate the correct street name. Further, this site will typically show who owns the property and if there is a homestead exemption. If the service is a collection case or there is a possibility the defendant may avoid, it’s good to know who owns the home in advance.

If you cannot validate the address, a quick call or email to the client with the address you were given may uncover the issue and clarify the address.

Gather Additional Information about the Address

After confirming the address, you know you’ll find the right location, but what other searches should you consider prior to attempting? The more you know, the smoother the serve may go. Here are some ideas for searches that can better prepare you for the attempt.

• Google – Is the address a business or residence? It’s helpful to know so you can adjust the time of your attempt.
• Corporate Records – If you are serving a business, review the corporate report on the state website to obtain the names of the corporate officers and registered agent if it has not been provided by the client. You’ll be prepared for who to ask for, knowing they are appropriate to receive the papers.
• Websites and Social Media - If you have to serve a subject individually at a business, look up the business website and/or Facebook page. Many business owners and staff have their photos on their social media pages. It makes it very easy to identify your target. Depending on the business type, you might also search LinkedIn for that individual, as most LinkedIn profiles contain a clear photo that can help you identify your target.

Continuing to Balance your Time for Additional Research

In many cases your first attempt may yield success. But what if it doesn’t? During your attempt, you may have noted down vehicle tags or spoken to a neighbor who has given you some very basic information, but you have no confirmation the individual or business is at that address and there was no answer. Now what? Here are some ideas:

• TruePeopleSearch.com – a free resource that may provide possible phone numbers, additional addresses, relatives and business affiliations.
• Clerk of Court – A local clerk of court case search may show recent cases that may give you a lead on current or new address, type of vehicle (as in traffic citations), and basic description.

If you made several attempts and are still unsuccessful you may want to do a bit more research. Contact your client to request additional information, if it is available. Many process servers are also private investigators and can provide skip tracing services. There are many subscription data providers that provide data to process servers and investigators. This is an additional service you can offer your clients.

Final Thoughts

The main goal is to legally serve the paper. Doing this efficiently saves time and money, and helps you build a strong base of satisfied clients. There are some jobs that are easy that you will need very minimal research prior to attempting, such as business records custodian subpoenas. Collection lawsuits and lawsuits where business partners are suing each other may be served more effectively if you spend a few minutes researching prior to attempting, as they may be more likely to try to avoid service.

Develop a strategy and review it occasionally. Build a successful plan that yields in successfully completed jobs with the least amount of effort. Review how much you are investing in research and serving versus what you are charging, including your time and expenses (e.g. your vehicle). Develop your skills and be aware of the different types of services you have and how much time is needed to yield the best result possible.