When you’re searching for a deadbeat parent who owes child support and god-knows what else, the search can get quite difficult once you discover he or she has moved out of state. You can’t exactly go traipsing around the country when you have kids to look after, and even private investigators are limited by geographical laws. If you’re trying to locate a deadbeat parent in another state, you do have options.
Make a List
Since I’m the type of person who writes everything down, it is natural for me to suggest that you start by making a list. This helps you organize your thoughts and sort out what you know, versus focusing on what you don’t know. You can’t locate a deadbeat parent in another state when you’re fretful and aggravated, so sit down and start writing out things you know for sure, such as the person’s social security number, driver license number, date of birth, last known location, and the addresses of friends and family members he might stay with.
Keep Records
I’d recommend keeping a binder or notebook with all information pertaining to your quest to locate a deadbeat parent in another state. If you keep all of this information together, you’ll be sure to follow up on any leads and you’ll be organized when you do get a verifiable tip. Make sure you also keep financial records about what the other parent owes you so you’ll be ready to collect if and when you find that other person.
Prepare for Disappointments
If you’re trying to locate a deadbeat parent in another state, you’re going to be disappointed. There will be times when leads don’t pan out and dead-ends seem more frequent than open roads, but you’ll make progress if you keep trying. For example, his or her parents and family members probably aren’t going to be much help because their instinct is to protect their family. So try other avenues of search until you find one that works.
Use a Database
You can pay for databases on the Internet that keep public information ready for anyone who can afford the monthly fee. You can find out if a deadbeat parent has registered a car in another state or bought a home or signed up for a credit card. Web sites like Search & Expose are excellent resources when you have no other leads to follow.
Hire a PI
Private investigators must be licensed in any state where they conduct business, but many PIs are licensed in several surrounding states. If you hire a PI, he or she can locate a deadbeat parent regardless of where he or she might be living, and might have access to resources that private citizens do not. Prepare to spend a pretty penny on his services; however, in some states you can collect those fees from a deadbeat parent you’ve found.
