Detailed Answer
Locating and identifying assets in multiple parishes or states requires a methodical approach under Louisiana law. You can uncover real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, business interests, and more by using court-ordered discovery, public records, and interstate tools.
1. Use Court-Ordered Asset Discovery
Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Articles 3071–3078 (La. Code Civ. Proc. Art. 3071 et seq.) lets you depose a debtor or third party to identify assets. File a motion for a preliminary discovery deposition in the court where your judgment is docketed. Serve subpoenas duces tecum to compel document production, such as bank statements or account ledgers.
2. Search Public Records
- Real Estate: Each parish clerk’s office maintains conveyance records. Many parishes offer online search portals.
- Vehicle Records: Use the OMV Express Lane (expresslane.org) to verify titles and lien filings.
- Business Filings: The Louisiana Secretary of State’s website provides corporate and LLC registrations (sos.la.gov/businessservices).
- UCC Liens: Check recorded security interests under La. Rev. Stat. §10:9-501 et seq. (La. Rev. Stat. Tit. 10).
3. Subpoena Financial Institutions
To obtain bank or brokerage records, serve a subpoena under Art. 3071. For institutions outside Louisiana, employ the Uniform Interstate Deposition and Discovery Act (La. R.S. 13:3661 et seq.). This act streamlines out-of-state discovery and ensures your subpoena is enforceable.
4. Leverage Tax and Government Records
The Louisiana Department of Revenue may release certain tax records with a court order. Similarly, DMV records can confirm vehicle ownership and lien status. These sources help trace assets tied to addresses or Social Security numbers.
5. Engage Licensed Investigators
A private investigator licensed by the Louisiana State Police can gather leads, conduct skip-tracing, and verify ownership. PI firms often have access to specialized databases that speed up your search.
Cross-Parish and Cross-State Strategies
If assets lie in another parish, ensure your discovery motion is filed in the parish where your judgment is enrolled. For out-of-state assets, the Uniform Interstate Deposition and Discovery Act (La. R.S. 13:3661) lets you domesticate subpoenas and enforce them in other jurisdictions.
Helpful Hints
- Begin with online public records: real estate, UCC, and business filings.
- Use Art. 3071 discovery for direct debtor questioning and document subpoenas.
- Follow the Uniform Interstate Deposition and Discovery Act when targeting out-of-state entities.
- Consider a licensed private investigator for complex or evasive debtors.
- Maintain compliance with privacy laws; improper subpoenas can be quashed.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified Louisiana attorney for guidance tailored to your specific situation.