MARYLAND ASSET SEARCH INVESTIGATIONS
DOES A DEBTOR OWE YOU MONEY? DO YOU HAVE A JUDGMENT AGAINST THEM?
Licensed Private Investigator Since 2000
Maryland Asset Search Expert Private Investigator (800) 733-1950. Stryker delivers best-in-class statewide, nationwide bank account searches, pre-litigation, probate, and estate discovery, judgment enforcement remedies, and comprehensive judgment enforcement remedies for law firms and businesses. Our investigation agency partners with Maryland law firms pursuing substantial judgment recoveries, leveraging sophisticated investigative techniques and the full scope of legal remedies to secure enforcement throughout the state of Maryland.
From conducting thorough pre-litigation and pre-judgment asset searches to locating specific bank accounts for existing civil judgments, our private investigators excel in uncovering actionable intelligence. At Stryker, we approach each investigation with unwavering determination and persistence, committed to achieving equitable outcomes for our clients. Unlike larger firms where cases can become merely numbers, our private investigation agency provides focused, individualized attention to each case and client. We offer complimentary consultations with experienced private investigators who understand the complexities of your situation and can develop targeted strategies for your specific needs.
- Discover effective strategies for Maryland asset searches to enhance your professional due diligence and uncover hidden financial resources.
- Navigate complex asset searches with our dedicated team. We offer focused investigations to support your professional needs.
- Uncover effective asset search strategies to elevate your professional due diligence and identify hidden financial opportunities.
Our firm specializes in comprehensive Maryland asset searches investigative services tailored to meet the complex needs of legal professionals throughout their case lifecycle. We offer extensive pre-litigation support services, including thorough background investigations, advanced skip-tracing, professional witness interviews, and detailed financial analyses across domestic accounts. Our asset investigation platform delivers actionable intelligence for attorneys pursuing judgment enforcement, with capabilities extending to public records examination and permissible financial account searches.
The pre-litigation intelligence package provides counsel with a meticulously detailed two-phase report encompassing critical public records, including real property transactions, encumbrances, corporate entities and their principals, and relevant litigation history. For post-judgment matters, we assist judgment creditors nationwide in identifying and documenting recoverable assets through legally authorized channels. Our investigative methodologies strictly adhere to all applicable state and federal regulations while delivering the actionable intelligence needed to advance your cases effectively. Our commitment to excellence ensures that we remain at the forefront of investigative practices, continually adapting to the evolving landscape of asset recovery.
We understand that each case is unique, and our tailored approach guarantees that we address the specific needs of our clients, providing them with the insights necessary to make informed decisions. Trust Stryker Investigation Services to be your partner in navigating the complexities of asset searches and recovery, ensuring that you have the best possible chance for success in your legal endeavors.
WHAT IS A PERMISSIBLE PURPOSE? HOW DOES IT APPLY TO FINANCIAL INVESTIGATIONS?
HOW DOES IT APPLY TO MARYLAND 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.
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.
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
PRE-LITIGATION DUE DILIGENCE
Maryland Pre-litigation asset search investigations are part of counsel’s legal due diligence and are a preemptive tactic used to determine what assets or income may be seized in the event a judgment is ordered. Subsequently, information can be used to determine if the judicial venture is economically worth the effort. Legal due diligence investigation aims to assess the potential benefits and risks of settling a case, selling, or buying another business or business assets. There are two main areas of focus in a due diligence investigation: first, to determine the current status; second, to determine the consequences of a potential agreement.
- Learn how Maryland pre-litigation asset search investigations can help professionals evaluate the economic viability of pursuing legal action.
- Understand how a pre-litigation asset search can reveal crucial information on assets in Maryland, aiding counsel in strategic legal planning.
- Enhance your trial strategy with effective legal research before litigation, ensuring admissible evidence and creditor protection.
Evidence obtained during this pre-litigation process can be admissible in court and used to prepare a better case for trial in Maryland. A secured position will give a creditor significant leverage over the debtor that may prompt the debtor into a quick settlement. It may also provide significant protection in the event of bankruptcy or even prompt the debtor not to file bankruptcy because secured debts are not dischargeable. A court order or judgment does not need to be in place to conduct a pre-judgment asset search. This information is derived from public records. Our principal investigator searches millions of public records to compile the most comprehensive report for our clients. Our pre-judgment assets search is significantly cheaper than an asset search that provides banking or brokerage information.
PROBATE AND ESTATE DISCOVERY
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.
- Master probate and estate discovery with our insights. We specialize in estate discovery investigations in Maryland to uncover unknown assets for professionals.
- Thorough Maryland 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 Maryland, 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 (Maryland Statewide or Nationwide Bank Account Search, Brokerage, Mutual Fund, and Retirement Accounts)
- Life Insurance Policies and Annuity Contracts
- Personal/Family Trusts
- Maryland 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.
EXPERT WITNESS EXPERIENCE
The difference between them (other agencies) and us is that Stryker’s founder is a “Designated Expert Witness” for Asset Search Investigation and their permissible purpose in Comerica vs. Reid in relation to “the proper legal means to acquire non-public detailed information on the debtor’s stocks bonds, bank accounts in conjunction with investigative searches.”
Nowadays, it seems like everyone proclaims to be an expert in something. However, who qualifies as an expert witness when it comes to court cases? Experts are qualified according to several factors, including but not limited to the number of years they have practiced in their respective fields and work experience related to the case. They may be called as consultants to a case and used to give testimony at trial. However, not everyone can qualify as an “expert,” and not all types of expert testimony may be permitted. Rules about expert witnesses are set by state and federal rules of evidence, depending on whether your case is in state or federal court.
MARYLAND BANK LEVY Enforcement Measures:
When a bank receives a notice of a levy, it must immediately freeze the debtor’s account. In addition to being unable to make a withdrawal, the bank account is frozen, and any outstanding checks or automatic debit card payments won’t clear (unless there are enough exempt funds in the account). In Maryland, bank levy execution requires judgment and writ of garnishment served by a sheriff or constable. Funds are held for 30 days from the service date for potential debtor exemption claims. Financial institutions must comply within 5 business days of service.
- Maryland bank levy process freezes accounts immediately upon service, with institutions required to hold funds up to judgment amount plus allowed costs.
- Maryland law requires a 30-day hold period under Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure, allowing debtors to file exemptions or objections with the court.
- Maryland sheriffs/constables process levy funds through the court registry, requiring creditors to pay service fees and file a Request for Judgment-Garnishment for fund release after the hold period.
A federal law that went into effect in May of 2011 requires that banks receiving a garnishment order for an account holder who receives federal benefits review their deposits for the last two months to determine if any of these funds were deposited and are thus exempt. By Federal Law, a bank must wait 21 calendar days after a levy is served before sending payment. The Sheriff holds the funds for 20 more days and then releases them on the next business day. Of course, under ideal circumstances, the depositor(s) can waive this waiting period.
