Server's Corner

Is It Legal to Search for and Find Someone’s Assets

When it comes to financial investigations, asset searches play a crucial role in legal cases, business dealings, and personal matters. Whether you’re trying to collect on a judgment, locate hidden assets in a divorce, or verify financial claims in a business partnership, the question often arises: Is it legal to search for and find someone’s assets? The short answer is yes—as long as it’s done legally and ethically. How so, and how do we at Roland Investigations go about doing it? We’ll cover just that in this month’s article.

When Is an Asset Search Legal?

Asset searches are completely legal when conducted within the bounds of federal and state laws. Here are some of the most common legitimate reasons for performing an asset search:

• Judgment Collection – If you’ve won a lawsuit but the debtor claims they cannot pay, an asset search can uncover hidden bank accounts, real estate, or vehicles that can be used for repayment.
• Divorce Proceedings – During a divorce, one spouse may attempt to hide assets to avoid fair distribution. Legal asset searches help ensure equitable division of property and finances.
• Estate & Probate Matters – When handling an estate, an asset search helps locate bank accounts, properties, and investments that may be part of an inheritance.
• Business Due Diligence – Before entering a partnership or investment, businesses conduct asset searches to verify financial stability and potential risks.
• Fraud Investigations – If fraud is suspected, an asset search can reveal undisclosed income, offshore accounts, or hidden properties.

Methods of Legal Asset Searches

When conducted legally, asset searches use public records and permissible investigation methods to gather financial data. Some of the legal ways to find assets include:

• Public Records – Real estate holdings, property deeds, and vehicle registrations are publicly accessible through county offices.
• Court Records – Bankruptcies, liens, and judgments are often documented in court filings and available to the public.
• Business Filings – If the person owns a business, company registrations and financial disclosures may provide insight into assets.
• Professional Investigators – Licensed investigators and financial experts use legal methods to uncover assets without violating privacy laws.

What Is Illegal in an Asset Search?

While asset searches are legal, certain methods are strictly prohibited under laws such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Illegal methods include:

• Pretexting – Impersonating an individual to obtain bank or financial records.
• Unauthorized Bank Account Searches – Accessing bank records without proper legal authorization, such as a court order.
• Using Stolen Information – Any data obtained through hacking, identity theft, or other illicit means is a violation of federal law.
• Running Unauthorized Credit Checks – Credit reports are protected under the FCRA and require permission from the individual.

Legal Asset Searches Help Uncover the Truth

If you need to find someone’s assets, the best approach is to hire Roland Investigations. As licensed professionals, we follow the law while obtaining accurate and up-to-date financial information. In cases involving court proceedings, our attorneys can request legal access to financial records through subpoenas and discovery motions.

Searching for assets is legal when done correctly through public records, licensed investigators, and legal processes. Whether for debt collection, divorce settlements, or business due diligence, an asset search provides valuable financial insight—as long as it’s conducted ethically and within the law.

By Roland Process Service & Investigations Staff 1-1-2025