The single biggest factor in how quickly papers are served is the quality of information the server receives. A correct address and a good description can mean service on the first attempt. Missing or outdated information can mean days of extra work. Here is what helps most.

Full Legal Name

Provide the person’s full legal name exactly as it appears in the documents, along with any nicknames or aliases. If the person goes by a middle name or a different last name, let the server know.

Current Addresses

List every address you know, including:

• Home address
• Work address and the name of the employer
• Addresses of relatives or partners where the person may stay
• Any recent prior addresses

If you are not sure an address is current, say so. The server can verify it or perform skip tracing.

Physical Description and Photo

A recent photo is one of the most helpful items you can provide. If you do not have one, describe the person’s approximate age, height, build, hair color, and any distinctive features.

Vehicles

Vehicle make, model, color, and plate number help a server confirm whether someone is home.

Schedule and Routine

Knowing when the person typically leaves for work, returns home, or visits certain places can help the server plan attempts at the right times.

Safety Concerns

Always share information about violence, threats, weapons, aggressive dogs, or other risks. This helps the server plan a safe approach.

Deadlines

Tell the server your hearing date or other deadline so they can choose the right service level and prioritize attempts.

Business Information

For a business, provide the exact legal name, the statutory agent if known, and the address where the agent or an officer can be found.

Special Instructions

Let the server know if personal service is required, if residence service is allowed, or if any fees must accompany the documents.

Quick Checklist

• Full name and aliases
• All known addresses
• Photo or description
• Vehicle information
• Work schedule and routine
• Safety concerns
• Deadline
• Special instructions

Let Us Handle the Rest

Our servers are licensed private investigators who can locate people when information is incomplete. We serve documents throughout Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Visit our process serving page or submit documents through our process service request form.