Affidavit of Diligent Search and Inquiry for Default Litigants

Advice About Constructive Service of Process

The law requires a documented diligent search and inquiry before constructive service of process can be authorized by the court.


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About Diligent Search Services and Affidavits

Affidavit of Diligent Search provides Florida based and nationwide investigative services for legal matters in which an individual cannot be located through routine service of process or conventional methods. In these situations, courts often require a comprehensive and well documented effort to demonstrate that all reasonable avenues have been pursued before a case may proceed to constructive service by publication.

Experienced, Reliable, and Results Driven

For nearly three decades, our licensed private investigation agency has supported attorneys, law firms, pro se litigants, and legal support professionals throughout Florida and across the United States. Through consistent, methodical diligent search practices, we have built a reputation as a trusted resource when constructive service becomes a necessary component of a case.

Beyond Basic Database Searches

Our approach extends far beyond simple database inquiries. We utilize in depth research, strategic lead development, and carefully structured documentation to create a complete and defensible investigative record resulting in a clear, credible Affidavit of Diligent Search when the subject cannot be located.

Court Ready Affidavit Documentation

When exhaustive efforts do not produce a confirmed location, we prepare a professionally structured Affidavit of Diligent Search detailing the investigative steps taken, sources reviewed, and results obtained. This court ready documentation supports legal counsel in meeting procedural requirements and advancing the matter efficiently and effectively. Statewide Agency License Number: A9900347

Florida Statewide Investigation Agency With Nationwide Reach

We are the Agency for Civil Enforcement Corporation, d/b/a A.C.E., Inc., a licensed private investigation agency providing professional services since October 1999. Over the years, we have successfully handled several thousand cases, earning a strong reputation for reliability, responsiveness, and results. Our consistent performance and client-focused approach have led to an extensive record of 1081 five star reviews and long standing professional relationships.

Our investigative services extend throughout Florida and across the United States, allowing us to assist with matters regardless of location or complexity. Whether a case is straightforward or presents unique challenges, we are equipped to initiate services promptly and pursue all reasonable avenues with diligence and precision.

Our practice is built around supporting legal professionals and individuals with diligent search, investigative inquiry, and properly documented affidavit services delivering organized, court ready results designed to meet procedural requirements and advance legal matters efficiently.

Focused, Case-Driven Investigative Approach

Most diligent search matters are handled as dedicated, single engagement assignments centered on a specific subject and defined legal objective. Each case is approached with full attention, strategic focus, and a commitment to pursuing all reasonable investigative avenues without distraction or assumption.

We treat every matter with the importance it deserves applying experienced judgment, detailed analysis, and a fact driven methodology to produce accurate, reliable diligent results. Our goal is to provide clients with a clear, well supported outcome that can be confidently relied upon in support of their legal needs.

Client Focused, Court Compliant Results

Our diligent search services are designed for attorneys, case managers, creditors, lenders, law firms, and legal professionals who require accurate results, clearly organized reporting, and court compliant work product. Each investigation is conducted with careful diligence to procedural standards and documentation requirements.

We emphasize clarity, reliability, and timeliness delivering structured results that can be confidently used to support and advance your case. Our commitment is consistent, professional diligent services delivered on time, every time.



What Sets Our Diligent Search Services Apart

This is not a basic skip tracing service or a simple database driven locate attempt. Diligent search matters require a structured, methodical approach that includes reviewing multiple sources, analyzing available information, and pursuing all reasonable investigative leads. Each case is handled with a focus on accuracy, thoroughness, and compliance with legal expectations.

When a subject cannot be located after exhaustive efforts, the investigative process is carefully documented and formalized into a professionally prepared Affidavit of Diligent Search for legal use. This documentation provides a clear record of the work performed and supports the next procedural step in the case.

These services are commonly required in matters involving absent spouses, missing parents, debtors, legal defendants, probate heirs, witnesses, respondents, and other individuals whose location is essential for a case to proceed.

Most Common “Not Found” Diligent Search Matters

  • Family law locate matters: Cases involving absent or unresponsive spouses, parents, or parties in divorce, custody, or support proceedings where a verified location is required before the matter can proceed.
  • Civil defendants and witnesses: Situations where individuals cannot be located for service of process or testimony, requiring documented efforts to establish that reasonable attempts have been made.
  • Probate and heirship investigations: Efforts to identify and locate heirs, beneficiaries, or interested parties in estate matters when contact information is outdated or unknown.
  • Constructive service by publication support: Diligent search services performed to meet court requirements before requesting alternative service methods when personal service has been unsuccessful.
  • General difficult-to-locate subjects: Any matter involving individuals with limited, outdated, or conflicting information where a thorough investigative approach is necessary to determine whether a valid location can be established.

How Diligent Matters Usually Proceed

  • 1. Intake: We receive and review the available case information, including all known details about the subject, prior service attempts, and the legal context of the matter. This step establishes the foundation for an effective and targeted search.
  • 2. Investigative Review: A structured and methodical search is conducted using appropriate public records, non public resources where permitted, and inquiry based investigative techniques. Leads are evaluated and pursued to determine whether a current, verifiable location can be established.
  • 3. Findings & Documentation: If the subject remains unlocated after all reasonable efforts, the investigative activity is carefully compiled, organized, and documented in a clear and chronological format.
  • 4. Affidavit Preparation: A professionally prepared Affidavit of Diligent Search is completed, detailing the steps taken, sources reviewed, and results obtained. This court ready document is designed for legal filing and supports the next procedural step in advancing your case.

Who Uses Diligent Search Services

Our services are relied upon by a wide range of legal and professional clients who require verified, court compliant investigative work when an individual cannot be located. This includes attorneys, law firms, paralegals, and legal support staff handling matters where proper service or verified contact is essential to moving a case forward.

We also assist corportate litigants, real estate owners, investors, landlords, and judgment creditors who encounter procedural obstacles due to missing or unlocatable individuals. In each case, our role is to conduct a thorough, well documented search and provide the necessary affidavit of diligent search to help advance the matter to its next legal step.

Important Legal Note

This website offers licensed private investigative advice and services focused on diligent search and inquiry, along with the preparation of supporting affidavits. It is a privately operated site, not affiliated with any government agency, or any other entity and does not provide legal advice. Users are encouraged to consult legal counsel regarding statutory requirements for diligent search efforts, filing obligations, constructive service or alternate service, and applicable court procedures. We can guide users but cannot render any legal advise. We are NOT attorneys.