Comprehensive efforts when a party can’t be reached.
What This Is
A Diligent Search is a structured set of efforts to locate a party and document why personal service could not be completed. The resulting Affidavit of Diligent Search is designed to support motions for substitute or alternative service where authorized by Florida rules and the court.
We do not provide legal advice. Counsel determines whether to seek substitute/alternative service and which rules apply.
- Skip Tracing — multi‑source database review, address history, associate links, and employer indicators.
- Field Visits at Varied Times — morning/evening/weekend windows; neighbor/management inquiries where appropriate and lawful.
- Mail Checks — review of sent/returned mail intelligence (when available).
- Employer/RA Checks — workplace verification and registered agent review for corporate parties (as applicable).
- Documentation & Evidence Compilation— time‑stamped attempt logs, observation notes, and supporting exhibits for the affidavit.
Best For
- Evasive parties or pattern‑based avoidance
- Out‑of‑date or questionable addresses
- Matters proceeding toward alternative service motions
Deliverables
- Affidavit of Diligent Search (court‑ready; notarized when required)
- Attempt Log with dates/times/locations
- Exhibits (maps, redacted hits, photos as appropriate)
- Recommendations for substitute/alternative service motion materials (at counsel’s direction)
How It Works
1. Intake & Scope — Provide case context, deadlines, and what’s been tried. We confirm lawful scope and objectives.
2. Research & Fieldwork — Run skip trace; plan and execute field windows; capture logs, photos (as appropriate), and contact notes.
3. Affidavit Draft — Assemble a court‑ready Affidavit of Diligent Search with exhibits.
4. Next Steps — Upon approval, we can file/return the affidavit via Court Runner and proceed with Summons & Complaint Service or Subpoena Service under the method authorized by the court.
Inputs We Need
- PDFs of pleadings/notices relevant to service
- Subject identifiers (name, AKA, DOB if available)
- Last known addresses/phones and prior attempt notes
- Deadlines (hearing/return dates) and any venue‑specific rules from counsel
- Restrictions — no contact / contact via counsel only / protective orders
- First‑time clients: prepay → Payments
Compliance Notes
- Efforts are conducted lawfully under Florida rules and applicable standards.
- No impersonation of law enforcement; no trespassing or unlawful surveillance.
- Personal data is handled securely; reports are confidential to your matter.
- 1 Will this guarantee approval for alternative service?
- No—approval is at the court’s discretion. We provide a thorough, documented record to support your motion.
- 2 Can you attempt service while the search is ongoing?
- Yes. We can schedule parallel attempts while research proceeds, then update strategy as new intelligence arrives.
- 3 What if we uncover a new out‑of‑county address?
- We can coordinate statewide/nationwide attempts through vetted affiliates and return uniform proof.
Every service is managed with care, transparency, and full compliance—so you can focus on your case, not the paperwork.
