Frequently Asked Questions

We provide a comprehensive range of tracing and investigation services including people tracing (desktop and enhanced), background checks, asset traces, company reports, and process serving. We serve solicitors, insolvency practitioners, estate administrators, debt recovery specialists, and private individuals across the UK.

Palatine Research & Data has been providing professional tracing services since 1898. With over 128 years of experience, we are one of the longest-established tracing agencies in the United Kingdom.

Yes, all our staff hold the IQ Level 3 Award in process serving and investigation. We are members of the Association of British Investigators (ABI), Institute of Professional Investigators (IPI), World Association of Private Investigators (WAPI), and Confederation Of Private Investigators (CPI). We are also ICO registered and maintain professional indemnity insurance.

Our offices are in Wirral, Merseyside. We provide nationwide coverage across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Simply submit your request online or contact us with the information you have about the person you're trying to locate. At minimum, we need their full name and either their date of birth or last known address. Our experienced team will use multiple data sources and investigative techniques to locate their current address.

We achieve a success rate of over 95% on standard desktop traces. For more complex cases requiring enhanced investigation, success rates vary depending on the quality of information provided and the circumstances of the case.

If we are unable to locate your subject and provide a verified current address, you will not be charged for the trace. This guarantee gives you peace of mind that you only pay for results. Please note this applies to our standard tracing services and some conditions apply.

Standard desktop traces are typically completed within 1 to 2 working days. Enhanced traces, which involve more in-depth investigation including enquiries on the ground, may take up to 4 weeks depending on the complexity of the case.

As a minimum, we need the subject's full name and either their date of birth or last known address. The more information you can provide, the higher the success rate and the faster we can complete the trace. Helpful additional details include previous addresses, phone numbers, employer information, or any known associates.

Yes, people tracing is legal when conducted for lawful purposes and by legitimate means. We comply with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. All requests must satisfy a lawful basis for processing, such as legal proceedings, debt recovery, beneficiary tracing, or reconnecting with family members.

Yes, we can help with family reconnection traces. However, we operate a consent-led disclosure policy to comply with data protection law and safeguarding best practice. Once we locate the person, we will contact them to seek their consent before sharing their details with you. If they decline, we cannot disclose their information, though we may offer to pass a message at our discretion. Additional conditions apply under Clause 18 of our Terms of Business.

A desktop trace uses database searches and electronic records to locate an individual's current address. An enhanced trace includes all desktop methods plus additional investigation such as enquiries on the ground, interviews with neighbours or associates, and surveillance if required. Enhanced traces are used when desktop methods have been unsuccessful or when the case is particularly complex.

Our background checks provide comprehensive due diligence reports including address verification, directorship history, CCJ and insolvency searches, electoral roll checks, and (where consented) credit history. We can tailor background checks to your specific requirements.

Yes, we work extensively with solicitors, insolvency practitioners, debt recovery agencies, and corporate clients. We offer volume pricing for regular users and can set up credit account facilities. Contact us to discuss your requirements and commercial terms.

We accept payment by debit card, credit card, and bank transfer. Approved commercial clients can be set up with credit account facilities for monthly invoicing.

Prices displayed on our website are exclusive of VAT. VAT at the current rate (20%) will be added to your invoice. We are VAT registered (GB 794 5360 93).

We take data protection seriously. All personal information is processed in accordance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. We are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) under registration number Z6551506. Data is stored securely, access is restricted to authorised personnel only, and we have robust procedures for secure data handling and disposal.

Absolutely. All client matters are treated with the strictest confidentiality. We never disclose client information to third parties unless required by law or with your express consent. Our professional memberships require us to maintain confidentiality standards.

For most traces, no. Our tracing methods are discreet and the subject will not be contacted or notified. However, for family reconnection traces, we operate a consent-led disclosure policy and will contact the located person to seek their consent before sharing their details with you. This safeguard protects vulnerable individuals and ensures compliance with data protection law.

We retain records for the minimum period necessary to fulfil our contractual and legal obligations. Standard retention periods apply in line with our data retention policy. You can request deletion of your data in accordance with your UK GDPR rights.

Yes, you have the right to submit a Subject Access Request (SAR) under UK GDPR. We will respond within one month of verifying your identity. Please note that where we act as a Data Processor (processing data on behalf of a client such as a law firm), we will refer your request to the relevant Data Controller. Visit our Subject Access Request page to submit a request.

Process serving is the formal delivery of legal documents (such as court papers, divorce petitions, statutory demands, or possession notices) to a party in legal proceedings. We provide professional process serving with the appropriate proof of service for your court or jurisdiction.

We provide the appropriate proof of service for your court. For England and Wales County Court, we provide a Certificate of Service. For High Court and some County Court documents, we provide a witness Statement of Service. For Scotland and some specialist proceedings, we provide an Affidavit of Service. All documents detail the date, time, location, and manner of service and are suitable for court filing.

If we are unable to effect personal service, we will provide a comprehensive report of our attempts. We can also advise on alternative methods of service and, where appropriate, provide evidence to support applications for substituted service or deemed service.

Yes. We serve all types of possession and tenancy notices including Section 8 (assured tenancy grounds), Section 13 (rent increase), and pre-action notices for rent arrears. Note that Section 21 "no-fault" notices are in the sunset phase following the Renters' Reform Act and may not be valid for new tenancies.