CALIFORNIA PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
We Are...
Diligent. Thorough. Relentless.
Licensed Private Investigator Since 2000
Yosemite National Park - Yosemite Fall, El Capitan and Half Dome
As a California private investigator anchored in the Bay Area, we deliver investigative excellence from the urban centers of San Francisco and San Jose to every corner of the state. Our investigations navigate diverse cases with the same unwavering precision that has built our reputation across California. From uncovering hidden assets through detailed financial searches to executing strategic Workers’ Compensation fraud investigations, we deliver the crucial evidence that fortifies your legal strategy. Whether tracing concealed accounts through probate discovery or documenting suspicious activities through precise surveillance, our investigative expertise serves law firms throughout California’s 58 counties, providing the decisive advantage you need.
Our investigative services empower California’s legal community with specialized expertise in complex asset searches, from pre-litigation intelligence gathering to post-judgment enforcement. We excel in probate and estate discovery, revealing unknown accounts and insurance policies that prove vital for estate administrators. Our Workers’ Compensation investigations deliver comprehensive documentation through methodical employer-level investigations, detailed AOE/COE statements, and strategic surveillance, providing the evidence that strengthens your position.
Asset Investigation Services
Pre-litigation asset searches
Brokerage Account Searches
Business Asset Searches
Nationwide Asset Searches
Judgment Enforcement Remedies
Probate & Estate Discovery
Missing asset identification
Unknown bank account searches
Life Insurance policy searches
Estate administrator support
Public Record Property Info
Insurance Related Claims Services:
Fraud investigations
Suspicious accident review
AOE/COE statements
Employer-level investigations
Subrosa surveillance
WHAT IS A PERMISSIBLE PURPOSE? HOW DOES IT APPLY TO FINANCIAL INVESTIGATIONS?
HOW DOES IT APPLY TO CALIFORNIA ASSET SEARCHES FOR BANK AND SAVINGS ACCOUNTS.
A SUMMARIZATION OF APPLICABLE LAWS FOR ASSET SEARCHES
The legal framework governing access to nonpublic financial information operates through multiple federal statutes, establishing specific requirements for different scenarios.
This summary does not discuss every scenario or anticipated use or subsequent authorization. It is intended to illuminate a convoluted and misinterpreted legal framework while providing general guidance on core principles and common applications. The information contained herein should not be construed as legal advice, and readers should consult with qualified legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, laws and regulations are subject to change, and variations may exist across different jurisdictions. Nothing in this document creates an attorney-client relationship or serves as a substitute for professional legal consultation.
The legal framework governing access to nonpublic financial information operates through multiple federal statutes, establishing specific requirements for different scenarios. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) serves as a primary foundation, mandating consumer authorization for credit report access while explicitly prohibiting its use for determining insurance, credit, or employment eligibility. FCRA Section 6802(e)(8) provides essential exceptions, permitting disclosures when necessary to comply with federal, state, or local laws, respond to authorized civil or criminal investigations, address regulatory requirements, or fulfill judicial process obligations.
When accessing bank or brokerage records, requestors must demonstrate a valid permissible purpose and comply with court orders or civil judgments, while remaining subject to the Right to Financial Privacy Act restrictions specifically governing government access. Financial institutions bear the responsibility of verifying the requestor’s authority before disclosure. This comprehensive framework, incorporating 28 U.S.C. Chapter 176 Fair Debt Collection Procedures and 15 U.S.C. Title 15 Privacy Provisions, explicitly establishes that exceptions (6)(A), (7), and (8) and (D) grant access to persons holding a legal or beneficial interest relating to the consumer; or (E) to persons acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity on behalf of the consumer; but require demonstration of a valid permissible purpose for both pre-civil and post-civil proceedings. Pre-civil proceedings are specifically defined as subpoenas, search warrants, or other Judicial Orders. Post-civil proceedings are defined as Judicial Orders or Judgments, which constitute the judge’s rulings at the conclusion of an adversary proceeding requiring the debtor to pay the amount awarded in the Judgement or Judicial Order resulting from the proceedings. All financial information access must align with these federal statutes while simultaneously complying with applicable state privacy laws and institution-specific requirements, ensuring a balanced approach between necessary information access and privacy protection.
This document does not address all applicable laws, regulations, or conditions that may be relevant to any particular situation. References to specific scenarios or applications should not be interpreted as endorsements or recommendations. The authors reserve the right to modify, update, or withdraw any portion of this content without notice. By proceeding with this document, readers acknowledge these limitations and disclaimers.
The authors and publishers expressly disclaim all liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this document. This summary may be incomplete or outdated at the time of reading, and subsequent legislative, regulatory, or judicial developments may impact its accuracy. Readers should verify any information that may affect their legal rights or obligations. Any examples provided are for illustrative purposes only and may not apply to specific situations.
STATEWIDE BANK SEARCH
BUSINESS ASSET SEARCH
OFFSHORE BANK SEARCH
BROKERAGE ACCOUNTS
INDIVIDUAL'S ASSEST
STATEWIDE BANK ACCOUNT SEARCH ON AN INDIVIDUAL – This search returns all open bank accounts found from multiple banks. You will receive a list of all banks located, bank names and addresses, types of accounts, balances, the institution’s name and address, and end-of-the-day account balance.
BUSINESS ASSETS
STATEWIDE BANK ACCOUNT SEARCH ON A BUSINESS – This search returns all open bank accounts found from multiple banks. You will receive a list of all banks located, bank names and addresses, types of accounts, balances, the institution’s name and address, and end-of-the-day account balance.
BROKERAGE ACCOUNT
BROKERAGE ACCOUNT SEARCH Brokerage company investment account used to buy and sell securities, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. This search returns all open brokerage accounts found in multiple firms. You will receive a list of all accounts located, as well as establishment names, addresses, and balances. This will include end-of-the-day account balance information.
California Private Investigator Best-in-Class
ASSET SEARCH INVESTIGATION TYPES & SERVICES
Professional Asset Investigation Services: Individual Search Solutions. When seeking to locate assets through professional asset investigation services, understanding the scope of each search type is crucial for successful asset identification and judgment enforcement. Our comprehensive asset search solutions provide Attorneys, legal professionals and Judgment Creditors with detailed intelligence for litigation support, judgment recovery, and debt collection.
The choice between these search types typically depends on what you know about the subject's travel and business patterns, the anticipated scope of their assets, your specific legal requirements, cost considerations, and any time constraints you might have.
A statewide business search provides a focused examination within the borders of a specific state. A statewide asset search for an individual delves deep into their financial footprint within a specific state. This investigation examines county recorder offices for real property ownership, including primary residences, vacation homes, rental properties, and undeveloped land. It explores state motor vehicle records for registered cars, boats, aircraft, and recreational vehicles. The search examines state-level civil court records for any litigation that might reveal asset disclosures, divorce settlements, or probate matters. State professional licensing boards are checked for occupational licenses, which can indicate sources of income or business interests. Local tax assessor records reveal property tax history and potential ownership of multiple properties through different entities. The search also examines state UCC filings to uncover secured transactions and business equipment.
Licensed private investigators conduct statewide asset searches using privileged access to restricted databases and data brokers - resources unavailable to the general public. This authorized access, granted only to PIs who maintain active state licensure and meet strict compliance requirements, enables thorough and lawful asset investigations. Through these comprehensive resources, investigators examine county recorder offices for real property ownership, uncovering primary residences, vacation homes, and undeveloped land. The search extends to state motor vehicle records for registered vehicles, boats, and aircraft, while our local asset discovery process reveals crucial information from state civil court records, including asset disclosures, divorce settlements, and probate matters. To complete this thorough investigation, we examine state professional licensing boards, local tax assessor records, and UCC filings, providing legal professionals with vital financial intelligence for their proceedings.
Individual Nationwide Asset Search. Moving to a broader scope, a nationwide asset search expands this investigation exponentially across all states, creating an intricate web of financial intelligence. This comprehensive search examines federal bankruptcy courts for past filings or pending cases that might reveal asset declarations. It scans federal tax liens and civil judgments in all jurisdictions. The investigation covers property records in all 50 states to uncover real estate holdings that might be strategically placed in different locations. Federal civil court records are examined for asset disclosures in litigation across state lines. The search includes nationwide vehicle registrations and aircraft registrations with the FAA. Corporate records across all states are checked to reveal business interests, partnerships, and corporate officer positions. Federal contracts and government payments are investigated to identify potential income sources. The nationwide search also examines pension and retirement account registries, unclaimed property databases in all states, and national databases for professional licenses.
Licensed private investigators conduct statewide asset searches using privileged access to restricted databases and data brokers - resources unavailable to the general public. This authorized access, granted only to PIs who maintain active state licensure and meet strict compliance requirements, enables thorough and lawful asset investigations. Through these comprehensive resources, investigators examine county recorder offices for real property ownership, uncovering primary residences, vacation homes, and undeveloped land. The search extends to state motor vehicle records for registered vehicles, boats, and aircraft, while our local asset discovery process reveals crucial information from state civil court records, including asset disclosures, divorce settlements, and probate matters. To complete this thorough investigation, we examine state professional licensing boards, local tax assessor records, and UCC filings, providing legal professionals with vital financial intelligence for their proceedings.
Brokerage and Investment Asset Search Services. Our specialized financial portfolio search services target securities and investment holdings across multiple platforms. This investment asset search examines registered securities accounts, retirement funds, and pension accounts. Our financial asset location services trace mutual fund holdings, stock certificates, and bond investments through transfer agents and registrars. The investigation includes commodity trading accounts, offshore investment accounts, and international securities holdings, providing complete visibility into investment patterns and financial institution relationships.
A brokerage account search specifically targets securities and investment holdings across multiple financial platforms. This specialized search examines registered securities accounts, checking for both active and dormant investment accounts. It investigates retirement accounts including 401(k)s, IRAs, and pension funds. The search covers mutual fund holdings, looking for both direct investments and fund participation through employers or investment groups. Stock certificates and bond holdings are traced through transfer agents and registrars. Commodity trading accounts are examined for futures and options trading activity. The investigation includes checking for offshore investment accounts and international securities holdings where possible. This search can also reveal investment patterns, trading history, and relationships with multiple financial institutions.
Licensed private investigators conduct statewide asset searches using privileged access to restricted databases and data brokers - resources unavailable to the general public. This authorized access, granted only to PIs who maintain active state licensure and meet strict compliance requirements, enables thorough and lawful asset investigations. Through these comprehensive resources, investigators examine county recorder offices for real property ownership, uncovering primary residences, vacation homes, and undeveloped land. The search extends to state motor vehicle records for registered vehicles, boats, and aircraft, while our local asset discovery process reveals crucial information from state civil court records, including asset disclosures, divorce settlements, and probate matters. To complete this thorough investigation, we examine state professional licensing boards, local tax assessor records, and UCC filings, providing legal professionals with vital financial intelligence for their proceedings.
Professional Asset Investigation Services: Business Search Solutions. Our professional business asset search services provide comprehensive investigations for attorneys, law firms, judgment creditors, and corporate entities requiring detailed business intelligence. Through authorized database access, licensed investigators conduct thorough examinations of business assets, corporate structures, and financial relationships. This specialized access enables us to deliver precise business intelligence for legal proceedings, due diligence, and corporate vetting purposes.
The choice between these business search types typically depends on several key factors: known corporate headquarters and satellite office locations, business registration patterns across states, the scope of suspected corporate assets and holdings, specific legal requirements for your case, jurisdictional considerations, cost factors, and time-sensitive deadlines. For legal professionals and judgment creditors, understanding these factors helps determine the most effective search strategy for their specific needs.
A statewide business search provides a focused examination within the borders of a specific state. This search reveals corporate registrations, trade names, and DBA (Doing Business As) filings within that jurisdiction. Through state databases, you can uncover business licenses, permits, and any regulatory compliance records. The search also identifies registered agents, corporate officers, and principal business locations within the state. State-level tax records, liens, and judgments become accessible, offering insights into the business's financial standing within that particular state.
A nationwide business search extends this investigation across all 50 states, creating a comprehensive picture of the business's operations throughout the country. This broader scope reveals corporate registrations in multiple states, cross-state business relationships, and a complete network of branch locations. It uncovers federal contracts, nationwide banking relationships, and business assets held across different jurisdictions. The search can identify patterns of business activity, related entities, and potential concealment of assets across state lines.
The Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN or EIN) is a crucial tool in both statewide and nationwide searches. This nine-digit identifier is the business's federal tax ID and remains constant regardless of name changes or relocations. When using a FEIN, you can trace the entire history of a business, including its various iterations and related entities. The number links to federal tax records, corporate filings, and banking relationships, making it invaluable for thorough business investigations. It helps identify hidden relationships between seemingly unrelated companies and can reveal a complete picture of a business's structure, ownership, and financial connections.
PRE-LITIGATION SUPPORT SERVICES & ASSET SEARCH INVESTIGATIONS
PREPARING FOR THE WIN MEANS YOUR PREPARED. Experienced trial attorneys start the pretrial process by developing theories, getting information, securing evidence, and knowing the answer before asking the questions. Identifying and locating critical evidence and potential witnesses and securing credible testimony can make the difference between winning or losing a case.
Our pre-litigation support services set the foundation for successful legal outcomes through meticulous fact-finding and critical analysis. We employ advanced techniques for skip-tracing and confirmed locate services, ensuring accurate identification and location of relevant parties. Our team conducts thorough creditworthiness assessments through detailed business credit reports and nationwide asset search investigations, providing crucial intelligence for client vetting and case strategy development.
- Identity Verification
- Current Location Skiptrace
- Pre-litigation Asset Searches
- Witness Statements
- Accident Scene Inspections
- Location Canvass for Witness
- Due Diligence Personal Injury
- Evidence Documentation
- Recorded Interviews
- Skiptrace Confirmed Locates
- Asset Investigation
- Background Investigations
- Criminal Records
- Business Asset Search
- Collecting Social Media Posts
- Investigation Analyst
CALIFORNIA PROBATE AND ESTATE DISCOVERY
Are you a executor in a family member’s will?
Do you need assistance finding assets?Are you an attorney or estate administrator struggling to locate all assets for your probate case? Have you encountered roadblocks trying to find undisclosed accounts and property? Are you concerned there might be forgotten assets that should be included in the estate?
Navigating the complexities of probate and estate discovery can be challenging. Our Probate Investigators are here to assist legal counsel, surviving family members, estate administrators, and executors in locating and identifying missing or unknown assets. These assets may include bank accounts, life insurance policies, brokerage accounts, and property owned by the decedent or associated companies.
- Understand probate and estate discovery with our insights. We specialize in estate discovery investigations in California to uncover unknown assets for professionals.
- Thorough California estate discovery investigations are vital for executors in probate. Learn how to identify all assets and important documents.
- Learn how probate and estate discovery can unveil hidden assets through professional estate discovery investigations and expert assistance.
When preparing an estate inventory in California, it’s crucial for the executor to thoroughly search for all assets, including those that may be hidden. Important documents typically reveal essential information about the decedent’s financial holdings and obligations. These documents include bank and brokerage statements, stock and bond certificates, life insurance policies, corporate records, car and boat titles, deeds, and details about any debts, such as utility bills, credit card statements, mortgages, personal loans, medical bills, and funeral expenses.
Our team ensures that no asset goes unnoticed, providing peace of mind during the probate process.
Overview of Probate Asset Searches:
- Financial Accounts (California Statewide or Nationwide Bank Account Search, Brokerage, Mutual Fund, and Retirement Accounts)
- Life Insurance Policies and Annuity Contracts
- Personal/Family Trusts
- California Real Property and Tangible Assets (Motor Vehicles, Aircraft, Boats)
- Business Interests (Including Private Companies, Shell Corporations, and Special-Purpose LLCs)
The individual (or bank or trust company) that is appointed to settle the estate of the testator under a will is called an executor or personal representative. If there is no will, a person, usually a family member, will be appointed to deal with the decedent’s estate, and the appointed person is called an administrator.
An experienced probate asset investigator can help surviving family members, estate administrators, or executors locate missing or unknown bank accounts and identify life insurance policies. Using Stryker’s professional probate investigator during the estate discovery process can provide significant advantages for the investigation.
HOW TO START YOUR INVESTIGATION
Ready to start your investigation? Find the tab STRYKER’S SERVICES AND FORMS on the website menu bar on the far right.
The dropdown menu has a page entitled INVESTIGATION FORMS which links to our forms page. If needed, the instructions will be explained. Which form you use will depend on the type of investigation you want to conduct.
If you want to search an individual’s assets, your form would be an INDIVIDUAL ASSET SEARCH FORM. If you want to conduct an asset search for a business asset, your form would be a BUSINESS ASSET SEARCH FORM. We have other forms available.
Call the office for a consultation if you seek other services and don’t know which would be best (800) 733-1950
Judgment Enforcement Remedies
California Private Investigator for Enforcement Remedies
