Verified Digital Service (VDS) is a litigation support process developed through investigative work conducted by ASG Investigations.
It was developed in response to a recurring issue in civil litigation: situations where a subject is identifiable and connected to a known address, yet cannot be effectively served through traditional methods.
In many matters, individuals who are difficult to reach through physical service maintain active and identifiable digital communication channels.
Investigative work routinely involves evaluating these digital indicators to assess identity, activity, and communication patterns.
VDS applies this same investigative approach to the question of notice — bringing structure, documentation, and defensibility to an area that is often handled informally.
Requests for alternate service involving digital communication are often supported by limited or informal information.
VDS was developed to introduce a more disciplined approach — one that evaluates attribution, activity, and reachability before alternate service is proposed.
The process is designed to ensure that any recommendation is supported by documented analysis, rather than assumption.
VDS is not a standardized or automated process.
Each matter is evaluated individually, and the process is isused only where appropriate based on the specific facts of the case.
In many instances, the appropriate conclussion of the assessment is that alternate service should not be pursued.
VDS is not a replacement for traditional service.
It is used in matters where conventional methods are not producing results and alternate service may be considered.
The process is designed to support attorneys in evaluating whether alternate service is appropriate and, where authorized, documenting digital transmission in a manner suitable for court review.
If you have a matter where service is becoming difficult or appears headed toward non-service, contact us directly to discuss if a VDS assessment may be appropriate.
A litigation support process developed by ASG Investigations
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