Which method can be used if a recipient is difficult to locate?

Skip tracing is an effective method used to locate individuals who are difficult to find. This technique involves gathering various types of information from public and private records to gather leads on a person's whereabouts. Process servers often use skip tracing when traditional methods of finding a recipient, such as checking known addresses or calling phone numbers, fail.

This approach utilizes resources like credit reports, social media platforms, employment records, and financial databases, allowing the server to track down the individual by piecing together clues about their current location or habits. Given that locating a recipient is crucial for proper service of process, skip tracing provides a structured way to attempt to connect with a person who may be evading contact or is simply hard to find due to lack of updated information.

While hiring a private investigator can also be a useful strategy, it is typically more expensive and might not be necessary if less costly methods like skip tracing can yield results. Public announcements and sending documents via email may not comply with legal standards for service of process, particularly in terms of ensuring that the intended recipient is adequately informed about the legal matters at hand.