Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get someone’s private records, like a police report or medical file?

Not unless that person has signed a release authorizing me to obtain that information. However, I can attempt to find out whether private records exist. Learn more about private records. 

Can you secretly record or report on a conversation with someone? 

No. California makes it a crime to record or eavesdrop on any confidential communication, including a private conversation or telephone call, without the consent of all parties to the conversation.

Can you hack into someone’s phone, e-mail or social media accounts?

No. That is illegal. If you need information from someone’s personal accounts for a legal matter, your attorney should be able to get a court order to obtain those records from the service providers.

Can you find out someone's bank balance?

Ocassionally yes, but usually no. Learn more about locating bank accounts.

What information can you legally find out then?

I can legally discover where someone lives, works, owns real property or other assets, has a business, is married or not, where they go and what they do in public, who their friends and relatives may be, if they have any criminal or civil court records; including bankruptcies, and more. I also investigate businesses. 

What areas do you serve?

San Francisco and San Mateo counties. I can offer referrals for reliable servers in other parts of the Bay Area and Northern California so drop me an email and I’ll send you their info.

After they’re served, do you provide a “proof of service” form?

Yes. I’ll complete the form and send it to you. Then you file that form with the court as “proof” your defendant was served.

What happens if they don’t get served?

I will prepare a “due diligence” report stating dates, times, and notes about service attempts. This can be useful to show you’ve been diligently trying to notify your defendant.

Can you tell me what forms I need or how to fill out court forms?

No. Only yourself, an attorney, or a licensed Legal Document Assistant can complete legal documents. Be sure your paperwork is complete and correct before paying for process service.

I need somebody served but I don’t know where they live. Can you help?

Yes. Check out my skip trace & locate service.

If they aren’t home when you show up, how long do you wait?

I usually spends 3-5 minutes knocking and ringing the doorbell, trying to get the attention of the occupants inside. If you have an evasive subject and prefer me to wait for them to enter or leave their location, consider the hourly rate stakeout service.

What time of day do you usually serve people?

Service attempts are made during different time blocks on different days of the week to increase the chances of finding them at the location, and also to satisfy court diligence requirements. That includes early mornings, evenings and weekends.

What are your rates?

Flat rates for desk-based data investigations vary from $200-$300 (plus database and records fees) depending on the service, and my overall hourly rate is $150 plus mileage and expenses.

How do you accept payment?

The invoice will include a secure link to use a credit card online if you choose. I also accept checks to my mailing address shown at the bottom of this page.

What’s a Retainer Agreement and why would I need one?

It’s a service contract that outlines my assignment and the amount you will deposit towards the fee. I use this for multi-hour investigation assignments.

Do I get a refund if you’re unable to get the results I requested?

No. Payment is for legal and reasonable efforts to discover the information you’re seeking. There is no guarantee as to the results of the investigation.