Skip Trace
Skip Trace means A research process used to develop location and contact leads for a person, usually by comparing identifiers, records, associates, and recent activity.
This page explains skip trace through LPIIA’s fact-first operating standard. It covers lawful scope, preparation, methods, reporting, sources, local context when applicable, and the limits a client or attorney should understand before assigning the work.
Plain-English Definition
A research process used to develop location and contact leads for a person, usually by comparing identifiers, records, associates, and recent activity.
Why the Term Matters
In an investigation, skip trace affects how information is collected, evaluated, preserved, or reported. Using the term correctly helps clients and attorneys understand whether a result is a lead, a verified fact, a method, a source, or a limitation.
Common Misunderstanding
A frequent mistake is treating skip trace as proof of more than it actually establishes. Professional work identifies the source, date, jurisdiction, identity indicators, competing explanations, and the specific conclusion the information supports.
Practical Example
A proper use of skip trace would document the input, method, result, and limitation. The report would avoid unsupported certainty and would identify what additional corroboration, authority, or specialist review is needed.
Related Terms and Services
Related concepts may include identity resolution, source corroboration, negative findings, public records, OSINT, surveillance, evidence timelines, and confidence assessments. LPIIA applies these concepts under the “Investigations Built Around Facts” doctrine.
Common Questions
What does Skip Trace mean?
A research process used to develop location and contact leads for a person, usually by comparing identifiers, records, associates, and recent activity.
Is this term the same as proof?
Not necessarily. The term may describe a method, lead, record, or analysis step. The report should state what the information actually establishes.
Why does LPIIA define terms?
Clear definitions reduce misunderstanding and help clients, attorneys, and investigators distinguish facts, methods, sources, and limitations.
Where is the term used?
It may appear in LPIIA service pages, reports, evidence checklists, research guides, and attorney assignments.
Related Investigation Resources
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