Serving the Homeless: A Guide for Process Servers

Process server using digital resources for skip tracing.

Serving court papers to an individual who seems nearly unreachable is one of the most challenging tasks for a process server. This is particularly true when you’re faced with the task of serving someone who is homeless. As of January 2018, Florida had an estimated 31,030 homeless individuals on any given day, according to the Continuum of Care report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

In such cases, the first step is to locate the person you need to serve. Skip tracing becomes an invaluable tool in this process. While the internet is a primary resource for skip tracing, there are other methods to consider. Here, we’ll explore some effective strategies for serving the homeless.

1. **Look up Public Records**

 Start your search by scouring publicly available information. Begin with the basics and check for any social media profiles, such as Instagram and Facebook. Utilize online databases to uncover information just as you would in other skip tracing cases. Homeless individuals often use an address, even if they don’t stay there. This address may lead to a relative or friend who can provide crucial information about the subject’s whereabouts.

2. **Check Law Enforcement Sources**

 Law enforcement records can be a valuable source of information. Search for arrest records, court records, and criminal histories to discover potential leads. When checking police reports, run your subject’s name as both a perpetrator and a victim to maximize your chances of finding a match. Reach out to parole or probation officers if there’s a record. They are more likely to know the subject’s current location, especially if there’s an upcoming court case. This is often the most reliable method to locate the person for service. Remember to maintain your professionalism and avoid serving the papers inside the courtroom.

3. **Obituaries**

   It may come as a surprise, but sometimes the person you’re looking for might be listed as deceased. Obituaries can provide a list of the deceased’s relatives, and if you’re fortunate, one of these family members might offer a lead on the whereabouts of your homeless subject. When conducting obituary research, don’t restrict yourself to the current week’s listings. Expand your search to similar last names in previous years.

4. **Ask Around Their Neighborhood**

 Sometimes, hitting the streets is the most effective approach. Engage with locals who may be familiar with the person you’re searching for, such as police officers, local barbers, grocers, and even other homeless individuals (while exercising caution and being vigilant). They might not disclose the exact location, but they could point you toward places to continue your search. 

Serving the homeless requires meticulous attention to detail, ample patience, and strong research skills. Combining basic skip tracing techniques with standard process server safety measures leads to a successful and secure serve. Like any skill, the more you practice specialized process serving, the more adept you become.

**How Headley Legal Support Services Can Help**

Headley Legal Support Services has been a trusted name in the legal support industry since 2008. We provide a range of professional services, including process serving and skip tracing. Our staff is well-versed in the rules and regulations of various jurisdictions when it comes to legal process services. To learn more about our services and how we can assist you, please contact us at 954-903-4991 or send an email to [email protected].

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Update: 10/25/2023