What is the purpose of a skip trace in process serving?

The purpose of a skip trace in process serving is specifically to locate individuals who are difficult to find for the delivery of legal documents. This process is essential for ensuring that legal notifications are properly served to all parties involved in a legal matter, which upholds the legal principle of due process. When someone is uncooperative or intentionally avoids service, process servers use skip tracing methods to gather information about the individual's whereabouts. This can include searching public records, social media, and property records to develop leads on where the person might currently reside or how they can be contacted.

The effectiveness of skip tracing directly impacts the efficiency of the legal process, as it ensures that all parties receive the necessary documentation in a timely manner, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of legal proceedings.