Plantation | Key West | Miami | West Palm Beach (954) 228-4029

How To Serve Papers To Someone You Can’t Find?

Finding a missing process recipient in southern Florida, including Plantation, Key West, Miami, and West Palm Beach, can be challenging. Often, individuals try to evade process servers, mistakenly believing it will delay or dismiss their legal issues. However, this only postpones the inevitable, as the case will proceed regardless. So, how can you locate someone who doesn’t want to be found? Rely on the professional process servers at Accurate Serve®. We employ various strategies to meet deadlines and ensure successful service of process, including skip tracing and diligent searches. Here are some of our most effective methods:

Research, Research, Research

Comprehensive research is crucial in the process server’s role. Before heading out, gather as much information as possible about the intended recipient. Use both traditional sources and online databases to create a detailed profile. Key details to search for include:

  • Name
  • Addresses
  • Phone numbers
  • Emails
  • Aliases/nicknames
  • Vehicle make, model, color, unique bumper stickers, and other identifiers
  • Physical description or photograph
  • Best times and locations for contact
  • History of evading service
  • History of violence

The information collected will vary with each case but provides a solid starting point for your search.

Ask Around

Phone calls can be very effective in stirring up information. Contacting the missing person’s friends and family often leads to direct or indirect clues about their whereabouts. Sometimes, the person will contact you to prevent further calls and preserve their reputation. If this approach fails, consider contacting their employer with discretion to avoid raising suspicion.

Blend In

Fitting in with the local demographic is essential. Research the area where you plan to serve papers and dress accordingly to avoid standing out. This can make your presence less noticeable and increase your chances of success.

Get Social

Social media platforms are invaluable in locating missing persons. People frequently share information about their whereabouts and activities online. Search for the individual on various platforms, and monitor their posts, especially those with geolocation tags. This can provide clues about their current location.

It’s important to follow ethical guidelines: do not deceive individuals online to gain information.

Some social media platforms to consider include:

  • Facebook (Meta)
  • YouTube
  • WhatsApp
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Reddit
  • Snapchat
  • Tumblr
  • Pinterest
  • CafeMom
  • NextDoor
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
  • Twitch
  • Discord
  • WattPad
  • CrunchyRoll
  • SoundCloud
  • Medium
  • Giphy
  • Imgur
  • Influenster
  • WeChat
  • Weibo
  • Telegram
  • Quora
  • Classmates
  • Vimeo
  • MeWe
  • Clubhouse
  • Rumble
  • Truth Social

Conduct a Stakeout

Sometimes, traditional methods work best. A stakeout can be highly effective if other strategies fail. While it may seem tedious, observing the individual’s known locations can eventually lead to a successful service attempt.

Request Alternative Service

In Florida, if you cannot locate the recipient after diligent efforts, you can request alternative service methods such as substitution or publication. This requires proof of sufficient effort to serve the person. Once granted, the case can proceed regardless of the recipient’s presence.

The Best Process Servers in Southern Florida

If you’re struggling to serve someone, let Accurate Serve® of southern Florida assist you. We cover Plantation, Key West, Miami, and West Palm Beach with dedicated and experienced process servers. Contact us at 954-228-4029 or submit a work request online to start today.

We are here to serve

If you require service of process in Tampa, contact us today to learn how we can help.

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