When someone owes you money — or you need to know what they're worth before taking legal action — you need more than a credit report. You need a professional asset investigation. Here's how banking and asset investigations work in Missouri, and who needs them.
What Is a Banking & Asset Investigation?
A banking and asset investigation is a licensed investigative inquiry designed to identify a subject's financial interests — bank accounts, real property, vehicles, business interests, investment accounts, and other assets. These investigations are conducted using licensed investigative databases, public records research, and in some cases surveillance — within the full bounds of Missouri law.
Who Needs an Asset Investigation
Judgment Creditors
If you've won a civil judgment in Missouri, congratulations — and now the real work begins. A judgment is only valuable if the defendant actually has assets that can be reached. Before spending time and money on enforcement proceedings, a professional asset investigation identifies what's actually worth pursuing: bank accounts subject to levy, real property subject to liens, vehicles subject to execution, or business interests that can be garnished.
Attorneys Evaluating Pre-Litigation
Before filing a lawsuit, attorneys representing plaintiffs often want to know whether the defendant is worth suing. An asset investigation before filing can confirm that the defendant has reachable assets — or reveal that pursuing a case will result in an uncollectable judgment.
Divorce Proceedings and Hidden Assets
Asset investigations in divorce cases focus on identifying financial interests that a spouse may be concealing, undervaluing, or transferring to third parties ahead of a settlement. Bank accounts, business interests, and real property in other states are common targets.
Business Due Diligence
Before entering a significant business agreement with an individual or closely-held company, a business may want to verify the financial stability and asset picture of the counterparty.
What Asset Investigations Can and Cannot Do
Missouri law governs what information can be obtained through investigative means. Licensed investigators can access public records, use licensed database tools, and conduct surveillance of publicly visible activity. We cannot access private financial records without proper legal process — but we can often identify the institutions holding accounts through database searches and other lawful means, which your attorney can then subpoena.
The result of a professional asset investigation is a documented report identifying known assets and financial interests, which your attorney can then use to direct enforcement or discovery.
Get Started
Faithful Path Investigations conducts banking and asset investigations throughout Missouri for attorneys, businesses, and individuals. We work closely with plaintiff's counsel to ensure our findings are properly documented and actionable. Contact us or call (877) 331-4374 to discuss your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does an asset investigation take?
- Standard asset investigations are typically completed in 5–10 business days, depending on the complexity and the number of jurisdictions involved. Rush services are available.
- Can you find hidden bank accounts?
- We can identify financial institutions and account relationships through licensed investigative tools and public records. Your attorney can then issue subpoenas to those specific institutions for account records. We cannot directly access bank account statements without legal process.
- What does an asset investigation cost?
- Asset investigation fees vary based on scope. Contact us for a quote specific to your situation.
Owner and principal investigator at Faithful Path Investigations. Veteran-owned and operated, specializing in process serving and investigations throughout Missouri and nationwide.
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