Service often fails not because the individual cannot be located — but because traditional methods are no longer effectively reaching them.
Repeated attempts, posting, or publication may satisfy procedural requirements, but often do not result in actual notice.
Verified Digital Service (VDS) evaluates whether identifiable digital communication channels provide a defensible path to notice when traditional service efforts stall.
When appropriate and authorized by the court, documents may then be transmitted through validated channels identified during the assessment.
The process provides a structured, evidence-based method to support and document that service is reasonably calculated to provide notice.
In many matters, service doesn not fail because the subject cannot be identified or located.
Instead, the issue is that traditional methods are no longer effectively reaching them.
At the same time, many individuals maintain active and identifiable digital communication channels that may provide a more reliable path to notice when properly evaluated and documented.
The challenge is not simply identifying those channels.
It is determining whether they are:
Verified Digital Service follows a structured process that separates evaluation from execution.
PHASE ONE
Every matter begins with an assessment of potential digital communication channels.
The assessment evaluates whether each channel can support a defensible path to notice based on:
Not all matters qualify. In many cases, the appropriate conclusion is that digital service should not be pursued.
PHASE TWO
If authorized by the court, documents may be transmitted through validated channels identified during the assessment.
The timing, method of transmission, and supporting records are documented as part of the service effort.
Where execution is performed, the process includes preparation of a court-ready Affidavit of Digital Service documenting the actions taken.
This approach is considered in matters where traditional service efforts are not producing progress or are likely to result in non-service.
In many cases, this occurs after multiple unsuccessful attempts. In others, it becomes apparent earlier that continued efforts are unlikely to result in contact.
This may include:
The goal is to evaluate alternate service before additional time and cost are incurred through continued attempts that are unlikely to succeed.
VDS may be introduced at any of these points to evaluate whether alternate service should be considered.
Each matter results in structured documentation designed to support decision-making and, where appropriate, court submission.
This may include:
The Digital Service Viability Assessment is intended to support a request for alternate service, where appropriate. If digital service is authorized and executed, the Affidavit of Digital Service documents the actions taken and provides a clear evidentiary record of the service effort.
Verified Digital Service begins with an assessment and is available for matters where service has become difficult or is trending toward non-service.
Not all assessments result in digital service.
In many instances, the appropriate conclusion is that digital service should not be pursued based on the information available in the matter.
Each matter is evaluated individually, and the process isused only where it is appropriate under the circumstances.
A litigation support process developed by ASG Investigations
© 2026 ASG Investigations. All rights reserved.