Sometimes the whole problem is that a person can't be found. A debtor who moved without a forwarding address. A witness whose testimony a case depends on. An heir who needs to be told about an estate. A former business partner. A relative who went quiet years ago. The police generally won't run a civil locate for you — no crime, no case number — which is exactly where a licensed investigator comes in.
Who needs this?
Professionals: attorneys serving process or locating a witness, collections and creditor work, estate and probate cases tracking down an heir. Regular people: reconnecting with estranged family, finding an old friend, a former coworker or military buddy, a birth parent or sibling, or a relative who went quiet years ago — someone you need found, told, or simply accounted for.
What it usually involves
- Public-records and database research that goes well past a free web search
- Verifying current address, phone, and employment
- Cross-checking relatives, associates, and prior addresses to narrow a trail
- Discreet confirmation — sometimes brief surveillance — that the person is actually there
- A documented result you or your attorney can act on
Real-world scenarios: how locate cases actually play out →
Need to find someone?
The next step is a licensed investigator who does locate work. A directory to match you with one is on the way — in the meantime, here's how hiring works and what to expect.
Start a case →Not sure yet? See how hiring works → · Any professional you choose confirms their license, scope, and fee before any work begins.