Asset Search: Key to Winning Legal Battles & Settling Financial Disputes

In the world of litigation, where the stakes are high, one thing remains certain: you need the facts to win. Whether you are a creditor, an attorney, or an individual involved in a divorce or financial dispute, an asset search could be just what you need. Think of this as behind-the-scenes detective work that uncovers hidden wealth, secret accounts, or even assets you didn't know existed.

Where the stakes could not be higher, you have to uncover the truth and enforce a judgment. The right asset search may reveal the critical information that secures a settlement, ensures debt recovery, or identifies financial fraud.

Let's go into details about asset searches: why they are important, how private investigators conduct them, and why you need one on your side when fighting to uncover the financial truth. Every minute counts, so let's make sure you have all you need to take action immediately.

What is an Asset Search?

An asset search is not a casual investigative process; instead, it's a serious dive into a person's financial life, uncovering what they own, where properties may be kept, and how those assets may be obscured.

In litigation, winning a case is just one part of the battle—the real challenge is ensuring actual recovery of what is owed.

Often, a person's financial status is concealed beneath legal complexities and personal misinterpretations. A thorough asset search penetrates beyond readily available public records to uncover real estate deeds, financial accounts, corporate interests, and even cryptocurrencies.

Private investigators are the experts who bring this treasure trove of financial information to light. From tracing real estate holdings to identifying offshore bank accounts, their job is to expose assets that others are trying to conceal.

Why Asset Searches Matter in Litigation

Whether it’s a divorce, a business conflict, or a debt recovery case, tracing assets is crucial in legal disputes. Without an asset search, you could be fighting blind.

The truth in most legal battles is rarely straightforward. For instance:

• In a divorce case, one spouse may claim poverty while secretly hiding assets in offshore accounts.
• A debtor who claims bankruptcy might actually be living a lavish lifestyle.

Without an asset search, these hidden riches could remain undiscovered. This is where a private investigator’s expertise makes all the difference.

Find Someone’s Hidden Property Before Litigation

Sometimes people hide property before litigation, especially in cases involving asset recovery, personal injury, and divorce. This may involve transferring assets to their friends or family, manufacturing debt, and falsifying financial records. If they’re asked to pay a settlement or fine, they’ll show proof that they don't have the means to do that because key assets are no longer in their  account. A private investigator can help you find out if and where assets are hidden by tracking the person and reviewing their finances and spending patterns. PIs search public databases to identify assets and change of name on assets. They can also submit legal requests to track personal bank accounts and asset portfolios so that anything hidden can be brought to light during your legal proceedings. 

Asset Investigator for Probate Estate Search

Sometimes, probate courts are limited in their search when it comes to secret assets, crypto wallets, trusts and offshore accounts. But in the interest of fairness and lawfulness, whether you are an heir or creditor, you might want these assets to be brought to light during probate. A private investigator experienced in probate estate search can make the process easier. They can quickly gain access to records of pension accounts, crypto exchange platforms, unclaimed property departments and business registration agencies to find lost, missing or hidden assets.

California Asset Search Private Investigator Service

If you are stuck in a back and forth with a debtor, you can take matters into your own hands and hire an asset search private investigator.  The professionals help people find assets that have been hidden to avoid debt payments in business transactions or after court rulings. PIs can be paid per hour or week and their scope of work in this case includes studying the financial history of the person in question and tracking all of their present movements and dealings to identify clues of hidden assets. 

Because of their efficiency and proficiency with crucial tools and laws, PIs can help you recover assets faster than traditional debt collectors do and this is crucial because once the hidden money is spent it can be impossible to recover.

Why Asset Searches Are Important

Asset searches play a crucial role in many different situations, including:

Debt Recovery

When someone owes you money and insists they are broke—yet still lives a life of luxury—an asset search can reveal where they are hiding their wealth. Whether it’s bank accounts, vehicles, or real estate, a skilled private investigator (PI) can track down hidden assets to help you recover what you are owed.

Divorce Settlements

Divorces can be complex, and sometimes one party attempts to conceal assets to avoid a fair settlement. A private investigator can uncover these hidden assets, such as real estate, luxury goods, or secret bank accounts, ensuring a just division of wealth.

Business Disputes

Business conflicts often involve disputes over ownership, compensation, or damages. A corporate asset search discloses a company's financial condition and can expose hidden business interests or assets that might be available to satisfy a judgment.

Fraud Investigations

Asset searches play a key role in fraud cases by uncovering shell companies, hidden financial accounts, and other concealed assets. Whether investigating financial fraud, embezzlement, or money laundering, these searches help build a strong case.

Types of Asset Searches

Not all asset searches are the same. Different situations call for different levels of investigation. Below are some of the most common types:

Pre-Litigation Asset Search

Before heading to court, it's essential to determine if legal action is financially worthwhile. A pre-litigation asset search helps assess whether the defendant has enough assets to make pursuing legal action economically feasible. This is particularly useful in cases involving divorce settlements, creditor claims, and business disputes.

Post-Judgment Asset Search

Winning a lawsuit is just half the battle—the real challenge is enforcing the judgment. A post-judgment asset search helps trace the defendant’s assets, ensuring you can collect what you are owed. This type of search uncovers hidden assets that may be eligible for seizure or garnishment.

Corporate Asset Search

Companies often have more resources than individuals when it comes to concealing assets. A corporate asset search identifies a company’s financial holdings, including intellectual property, real estate, and offshore accounts. This type of search is ideal when dealing with businesses that attempt to avoid paying debts or hide valuable assets.

Individual Asset Search

An individual asset search focuses on locating a person’s financial holdings, including real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, and luxury goods. Whether you need to track down assets for legal action, debt recovery, or settlement purposes, this type of search ensures transparency in financial matters.

What an Asset Search Reveals

When a private investigator searches someone's financial life, they are generally looking for the following types of assets:

Real Estate

Real estate is one of the most valuable possessions a person can own. Whether residential, commercial, or even virtual, private investigators research real estate using deeds and mortgage records to uncover concealed property ownership.

Bank Accounts and Investments

Most hidden wealth follows the money trail. Investigators analyze financial records and relationships to identify bank accounts, investment portfolios, and assets that a target may be concealing.

Vehicles and Luxury Goods

Vehicles, yachts, and other luxury items can be disguised. A private investigator will track down these high-value assets and ensure they are properly accounted for in an asset report.

Business Interests

Many individuals hide assets within business holdings, shell companies, or partnerships. A skilled PI can uncover ownership structures and financial connections that reveal hidden business-related wealth.

Intellectual Property

Patents, trademarks, and copyrights may not always seem valuable at first glance, but they can represent significant financial assets. Investigators identify intellectual property holdings that may have substantial worth.

Liabilities

Asset searches don’t just uncover wealth—they also identify debts, loans, and judgments. Understanding liabilities provides a clearer picture of an individual’s or company's financial standing.

How Private Investigators Conduct Asset Searches

Private investigators use advanced techniques to track concealed financial details. Here’s how they do it:

Review Financial Records

PIs start with public financial filings, credit reports, and bank statements to trace financial flows and locate hidden assets.

Search Public Records

Public records hold key financial details, from property deeds to business filings. Investigators access specialized databases to find assets that are often overlooked.

Use Digital Forensics

Many financial assets exist in digital form. Private investigators use digital forensics to trace cryptocurrency wallets, online investment accounts, and other virtual assets.

Social Media and Web Presence Analysis

Social media can be a goldmine for asset discovery. Even an innocent post can reveal hidden assets or extravagant spending habits. Investigators analyze social media activity for clues.

Surveillance

Physical surveillance can provide real-time evidence of hidden assets. Whether tracking extravagant spending or verifying asset use, surveillance is a powerful tool in asset investigations.

The Benefits of Hiring a Private Investigator

While anyone can attempt an asset search, hiring a professional investigator offers significant advantages:

Expertise and Specialized Knowledge

PIs have access to exclusive databases and investigative tools not available to the public. Their training ensures a thorough and effective search.

Advanced Tools and Technology

Professional investigators utilize deep-dive research tools that go far beyond basic internet searches, uncovering assets that would otherwise remain hidden.

Confidentiality and Discretion

Asset searches involve sensitive financial information. Our professional PIs ensure complete confidentiality, maintaining privacy throughout the investigation.

When to Consider Hiring a Private Investigator

There are situations where hiring a PI is not just helpful—it’s necessary. Here’s when you should seek professional assistance:

Hidden Assets

If someone is hiding assets—whether in a divorce, business dispute, or debt case—a PI can uncover what others want to keep secret.

Financial Discrepancies

If someone’s stated financial status doesn’t align with their lifestyle, an investigation can reveal the truth behind their wealth.

Difficult Debtors

When a debtor claims to be broke but continues to live lavishly, an asset search can reveal hidden financial resources.

Business Conflicts

In business disputes, asset searches provide crucial insights into financial positions, offering leverage in negotiations or litigation.

Estate Matters

Whether dealing with estate planning or probate, an asset search helps executors and beneficiaries uncover undisclosed financial holdings.

Can Private Investigators Help Collect Unpaid Judgments

 Yes. You can hire a private investigator to collect unpaid judgments.  They will help you track debtors, uncover hidden assets, and gather evidence of falsified financial records prior or after the court ruling. Collecting unpaid judgments typically involves tracing down debtors, uncovering hidden assets if debtors are trying to evade payment, and gathering evidence of everything that can be seized or liquidated to enforce the judgment. Expect to pay between $1500 and $6000 for a full week of a PI’s work.

Pricing for Asset Search Services

The cost of an asset search depends on various factors, including the complexity of the search, the type of assets being investigated, and their location. At Martin Investigative Services, we offer several types of asset searches to meet your needs.

1. Basic Background/Asset Search

• Coverage: All 50 states
• Includes: Data from an in-house computer system
• Turnaround Time: 24 hours or less
• Cost:
  • $1,500.00 for the search
  • $45.00 for FedEx shipping
  • Total: $1,545.00
• Additional Option: Can substitute a corporation/LLC instead of an individual
• Delivery: Reports sent to a specified address
• Payment: Visa or MasterCard (payment details required)

2. Financial Institution Account Search

• Includes: Bank, savings, and checking accounts
• Search Options:
  • Statewide Search: $4,800.00
  • Nationwide Search: $7,500.00
• Turnaround Time: 5-8 working days
• Delivery: Findings sent via email
• Payment: Check required

3. Brokerage Account Search

• Includes: Stocks, bonds, and securities
• Search Options:
  • Statewide Search: $4,800.00
  • Nationwide Search: $7,500.00
• Turnaround Time: 5-8 working days
• Delivery: Findings sent via email
• Payment: Check required
  

Hourly Rates

Many private investigators charge by the hour for asset searches. These can range from $100 to $300 per hour, depending on the investigator's experience, location, and available tools.

Conclusion

If you are stuck on an asset search, background checks, or finding missing family members, you can count on us. We have a team of former DEAs, IRS, FBI, and Secret Service agents operating in all 50 states. For more information please don't hesitate to contact me at (1-800)-577-1080

FAQs

Martin Investigative Services

Martin Investigative Services office is located at 620 Newport Center Dr Suite 1100, Newport Beach, CA 92660 

Open: 24/7

Phone: (800) 577-1080