Investigative Support · For counsel
Skip Tracing for Attorneys and Law Firms
DFS locates the people a case depends on, including witnesses, parties, heirs and judgment debtors, and reports findings in a format a litigation team can review quickly.
Different subjects, one standard
A fact witness from a years-old incident, a co-defendant who left the state, heirs who must receive notice in a probate matter: each search starts from different information.
Counsel needs more than an address list. The report should show how each result was supported so the attorney can judge its reliability.
Engagement for law firms
- Case intakeShare the subject list, identifiers and the matter's purpose.
- PrioritizeAgree on which subjects matter most and any deadlines.
- Research and confirmInvestigators research and confirm in the field where useful.
- Deliver and follow throughReceive the report, then send papers to be served if needed.
Who DFS locates for counsel
Locating witnesses, parties, heirs and debtors for counsel, with written findings organized for the case file.
- WitnessesCurrent contact information for fact witnesses counsel needs to reach or subpoena.
- PartiesDefendants, co-defendants and other parties whose addresses are needed.
- Heirs and interested personsRelatives and beneficiaries who must be located for notice.
- Judgment debtorsCurrent residence and employment indicators for post-judgment work.
- Counsel-ready reportSubject, findings, sources described, confidence and recommended next steps.
For counsel's awareness
DFS's work supports counsel's decisions; it does not replace them.
- DFS does not contact represented parties or make substantive contact with witnesses unless instructed and lawful.
- No guarantee every subject will be located.
- Communications with DFS are not attorney-client privileged; discuss work-product questions with your own counsel.
Questions about skip tracing for attorneys
Can you trace several witnesses in one engagement?
Yes. Send the full list and DFS will quote and prioritize subjects with you.
Will the report hold up as an exhibit?
The report describes sources and confirmation steps clearly. Whether and how to use it in court is counsel's decision.
Can DFS serve a subpoena once the witness is located?
Yes. DFS serves trial, hearing and deposition subpoenas under its documented process serving standard.
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.