Investigative Support · Judgments & collections
Debtor and Defendant Location Research
DFS researches the current whereabouts of judgment debtors and civil defendants for creditors and counsel who have a lawful purpose for the search.
Research areas
Lawful research to locate judgment debtors and defendants for post-judgment and collection work.
- Current residenceLikely present address, compared across sources and dated.
- Employment indicatorsPublicly available signs of a current employer or business.
- Business affiliationsPublic business filings that list the subject as an officer or agent.
- Field confirmationIn-person checks of key addresses when the engagement includes them.
- Service follow-throughIf papers must be served, DFS can serve them under its process serving standard.
A judgment is only paper until the debtor is found
Post-judgment steps such as garnishment, examinations and execution generally depend on knowing where the debtor lives or works. Debtors who expect collection often move.
DFS investigators research current residence and employment indicators from lawful sources and report what can be supported.
How the research proceeds
- Share the judgment contextProvide the case, the debtor's identifiers and the purpose of the search.
- Purpose reviewDFS confirms the search is lawful before research begins.
- Research and reportInvestigators research, confirm where appropriate and report findings with sources described.
Boundaries
DFS locates people. It does not collect debts or advise on collection law.
- No guarantee of locating the debtor or identifying assets.
- No access to bank, phone or protected records without legal process.
- DFS does not contact debtors to demand payment.
- Collection strategy and remedies are for the creditor and its counsel to decide.
Questions about debtor & defendant location
Can DFS find the debtor's bank accounts?
No. Bank records are protected and require legal process, such as discovery in the case. DFS reports only lawfully available information.
Can you locate a defendant before a lawsuit is filed?
Yes, if there is a lawful purpose, such as preparing to file and serve. Tell DFS the purpose at intake.
What do we receive at the end?
A written report of the addresses and employment indicators found, how they were supported, and what could not be confirmed.
Guides on this topic
Longer answers from the DFS Guides & FAQ.
Related services
Next steps and alternatives that often go with this work.
Reviewed October 2026 by Delator Field Services. General information, not legal advice.
Tell DFS what the matter needs
Call, text or email with the task, the county and any deadline. You will get a plain answer on scope and cost before work begins.
Questions first? Call or text (629) 310-8667 or email contact@delatorgroup.com.