Old leads. Fresh inquiries.
Skip Tracing
Focused locate inquiries for legal matters, unpaid debts and estate needs, with clear reporting.
Move beyond an outdated address
Find a Useful Starting Point for Your Next Step
Skip tracing helps establish where someone may now be when existing contact details no longer work. A returned letter, disconnected number or unsuccessful service attempt may leave a legal or financial matter stalled. A focused search can help you get the matter moving again.
Facts Investigations reviews the purpose of your request and the information you already hold. We then assess which inquiries could help establish a reliable lead. You receive the findings with the details needed to assess your next step.
A search with a defined purpose
When Skip Tracing May Help
Different matters need different information. For example, a lawyer preparing to serve documents may need a different level of verification from an estate representative reviewing an old family record.
Service of Documents
An old address can prevent a legal matter from moving forward. We can examine possible locations for a person who needs to receive documents. If documents also need to be served, tell us at the outset so we can discuss both services.
Witness Location
A witness may have moved since an event or changed their contact details. We can assess leads that may help your legal team reach them. Finding a current lead can give your legal team a way to follow up on their account.
Debtors & Unpaid Accounts
Businesses, landlords and individuals may need updated information about a debtor. We review the supporting details and proposed use before accepting an inquiry. Updated location information can help you or your adviser plan the next step in the recovery process.
Heirs & Estate Beneficiaries
Estate representatives may hold names and addresses that are many years old. We can examine relevant leads to help locate an heir or beneficiary. Identity and family connections need careful checking, especially where several people share a name.
Contractors & Business Contacts
A contractor or former business contact may be difficult to reach after a dispute. We can review relevant personal or business leads. First, we clarify whether the matter concerns a person, a company or both.
Personal Reconnection
You may wish to reconnect with someone after a long gap. These requests require review of purpose, consent and privacy. Tell us the circumstances so we can assess a suitable, respectful way to help.
If the question concerns property or financial interests, explore our asset location services. We can discuss a suitable scope for each need.
Check the person behind the record
How We Approach Skip Tracing
The starting information shapes the search. We assess names, dates and past locations before following a lead. As a result, the inquiry can focus on likely matches rather than a list of unrelated people.
Review the Available Details
First, we organize the information you lawfully provide. Previous addresses, relevant correspondence and dates of contact can help build a timeline. We sort current details from older information to give the search a useful starting point.
Research Relevant Sources
Next, we examine suitable public records and other sources we may lawfully access. Investigative research may identify useful connections or explain an old lead. We check the dates and supporting details before reporting a location as current.
Assess and Verify Leads
Where appropriate, follow-up inquiries or lawful field observations may help test a lead. We compare the available information and assess how recent it is. If a match remains uncertain, the report says so rather than presenting it as confirmed.
Our skip tracing work uses suitable sources and lawful inquiries. We review the purpose of the search before choosing the methods.
Agree on the priorities first
A Search Plan You Can Assess
We discuss the proposed skip tracing assignment before you commit. That includes work, fees, expenses and reporting.
Review the Starting Point
Describe the purpose, known identifiers and earlier search attempts. Then tell us about any deadline or legal representative involved. We can assess whether the available details support a useful inquiry.
Set the Scope and Budget
Next, agree on the searches and any suitable follow-up. Older or conflicting information can require more work. We discuss costs and any retainer before starting, without promising a result within a fixed time.
Consider the Findings
Finally, review the outcome and remaining gaps with us. A possible address may justify further checking, while weak leads may not.
Understand what the result supports
A Lead Is Different From a Verified Location
A skip tracing report should explain more than an address. We explain the source, date and supporting details so you can assess the next step with your adviser.
Use the Findings Appropriately
A locate report is not permission to enter property, pressure someone or ignore contact restrictions. Your lawyer or other appropriate adviser can explain which next steps are available in your matter.
Identity and Relevant Connections
The details supporting a match, alongside any uncertainty about whether a record belongs to the right person.
Dates and Supporting Context
How recent the information is and what the agreed work established about the location or contact lead.
Unresolved Questions
Gaps, conflicting records or unsuccessful inquiries that affect how confidently you can use the findings.
Relevant facts, clearly explained
Discuss Your Locate With Facts Investigations
Facts Investigations is a licensed Ontario private investigation agency based in Mississauga. Founded in 2012, we help clients assess factual questions through focused investigative work.
Our skip tracing service starts with a conversation about your purpose and the information available. Learn about our agency and our director.
Questions before the search begins
Common Questions About Skip Tracing
Select a question to learn more about planning a locate and understanding the results.
What does skip tracing aim to establish?
It examines available leads to help locate a person for an appropriate purpose. The outcome may be a verified location, a useful lead or an explanation of why the available information is insufficient. We report the distinction clearly.
Which details should I gather before an inquiry?
Start with the person’s full name, any known name variations and their previous address. A date of birth or dated correspondence can help distinguish similar names. Please share only information you are authorized to provide.
Can you begin if I have only an old name and address?
We can assess those details first. An old address may provide a starting point, but a common name or long gap can make a reliable match harder. We review what you have and suggest any extra details that could strengthen the search.
Will a locate include serving my court papers?
Service is a separate assignment. If you need it, discuss our litigation services and the relevant deadlines. Court rules determine valid service. For example, the Ontario court provides guidance on starting a Small Claims Court case, including service requirements.
How long does a locate take?
Timing depends on the starting details, the number of leads and the checks needed to confirm a location. We review your deadline and explain the likely approach before work begins. A confirmed address cannot be guaranteed, and we keep you informed about the progress of the search.
What affects the price of the search?
Rates typically range from $75-$150+ per hour, depending on the scope and complexity, plus any applicable expenses needed to carry out the assignment. Some locates may be quoted per search. We explain costs and any retainer in advance. You can then judge whether the inquiry fits your budget.
Can you help me reconnect with a relative?
Tell us who you are trying to reach and the circumstances. We assess whether a suitable inquiry is possible while respecting the other person’s privacy and choice about contact. Any inquiry must respect existing court orders and the safety of those involved.
What will I receive after the search?
You receive the relevant findings, including confirmed details, useful leads and any recommended follow-up. If a lead still needs verification, we explain what would be needed so you can make an informed decision about further work.
Learn more about our agency
Take a Look at Our Brochure
Get to know about us, the services we offer, and the areas we serve.
Where Did the Trail Go Quiet?
Tell us who you need to locate, why the inquiry matters and what information you already have. We can discuss whether skip tracing offers a practical next step.
Call +1 (416) 655-3106