When starting a legal action, having the correct address of the person or business you are suing is extremely important. Finding someone’s address can be tricky, but don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with this helpful guide that provides different methods to locate the defendant’s address successfully. With these comprehensive techniques at your fingertips, you’ll be well-equipped to find the address you need and move forward confidently with your legal action.:

Gather Relevant Information

Before diving into your search, gather all the important information about the defendant, including their full name, previous addresses, phone number, property ownership details, and any other helpful details that can give you an advantage.

Contact the U.S. Post Office Customer Service

When faced with a recently moved defendant, contact the U.S. Post Office Customer Service hotline at 1-800-275-8777. Explain your situation and ask about any change-of-address requests filed by the defendant. Address a letter to the defendant at their last known address, including the phrase “Address Correction Requested – Do Not Forward” below your return address. If the post office has a new address on file, they’ll return your letter with the updated address.

Search Tax Rolls and Government Records

If you suspect the defendant owns the property, searching tax rolls and government records can provide valuable information. Reach out to the recorder’s or assessor’s office in the county or municipality where the defendant lives. Ask about the availability of online directories that allow you to search for the defendant’s name from your computer or smart device. Some jurisdictions provide online access to their records. Alternatively, you can visit the office to search for the defendant’s address.

Request Information from the Post Office

If you have a post office box listing for the defendant, you can request the name, street address, and phone number of the box holder. Visit the official website of the United States Postal Service at http://www.usps.com and click on “Locate a Post Office” in the upper right-hand corner. Select “PO Boxes Available” from the drop-down menu and search by ZIP Code or address. The website will list the nearest post offices and post office box information. If the information is unavailable online, visit your local post office and fill out a form to request the details.

Utilize Reverse Telephone Directories

If you have the defendant’s telephone number, you can use reverse telephone directories to obtain their address. Visit your local library or use online platforms that offer reverse phone lookup services. These directories can provide the associated address for a given telephone number.

Conduct Online Searches

If you don’t have much information about the defendant, try searching online for the information you have.  Type the defendant’s name into a search engine like Google or Bing and see if you can find additional information about the defendant. Be careful because there may be multiple people with the same name. Repeat this step to check other information you gather from taking other steps in this guide.

Consider Online People Finder Platforms

Explore the many online platforms designed to help you find people. These websites aim to locate individuals, but it’s important to remember that the information they provide may not always be accurate or reliable. Stay cautious and double-check any information you find by consulting multiple sources.

Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn can help locate someone’s address. People often share their location details on their profiles or through posts, providing useful clues. Utilize the search features and explore their connections to uncover hints about their current whereabouts.

Hire a Private Investigator

If all else fails, consider if you can locate a professional private investigator. You can find them easily online or in the Yellow Pages. These experts may have the knowledge and tools to locate the defendant’s address. Remember that their services usually require a fee, but they can offer a valuable last resort in your search for the desired information.

Keep in mind that verifying the accuracy of the address is essential. Make sure to double-check the information from different sources and be respectful of legal boundaries and privacy when searching for someone’s address. Following the methods in this helpful guide can improve your chances of finding the address of a person you intend to take legal action against.