Solutions / Financial & Business Products

Civil Background Search (Civil Litigation History)

Uncover the Full Picture with a Countywide Civil Search

Leverage 25+ Years of Expertise for Deeper Candidate Insights

Our Civil Search offerings go beyond criminal records to provide a deeper look into a candidate’s background, revealing civil actions (that is, court proceedings not related to crimes) and associated details for each piece of litigation. This empowers you to make informed hiring decisions with confidence.

FAQs: Unleashing the Power of County Civil Searches

1. What is a Civil Search and how does it benefit my hiring process?

A Civil Search is a thorough investigation into a candidate’s non-criminal court records. It uncovers details on lawsuits, bankruptcies, liens, and judgments, offering valuable insights into their

  • Financial responsibility,
  • History of honoring agreements, and
  • Involvement in legal disputes.

This information complements a traditional background check, painting a more complete picture of a candidate’s character and decision-making abilities.

2. What does the Civil Search offered by SmartHRCheqs™include?

Our Civil Search offerings provide options for searching for actions filed on a countywide basis as well as those filed in United States District Court. Our search options provide a regional review across various court levels with the ability to expand nationally:

  • Upper-level State Civil Court Searches: Sometimes referred to as Regional/District, or County Searches, these searches focus on claims exceeding $5,000.
  • Lower-level State Civil Court Searches: Typically searched in municipalities (e.g., Small Claims Court), examining claims for less than $5,000.
  • Federal Civil Court Searches: Investigates disputes involving individuals and government agencies, civil rights issues, antitrust concerns, and copyright infringement.
  • Federal Bankruptcy Court Searches: Investigates active and closed bankruptcy filings.
3. What specific information can a Civil Search reveal?

This search can uncover a variety of civil matters relevant to your hiring decisions:

  • Breaches of contract
  • Civil judgments
  • Lawsuits of all types
4. Why does SmartHRCheqs™ recommend combining Social Security Trace and Address History Searches with a Civil Search?

Civil records are often maintained at the County level as well as the United States District Court level. By including a Social Security Trace and Address History Search, we can pinpoint the specific courthouses where relevant records might be located, ensuring a more comprehensive and accurate Civil Search.

5. How can I be sure the information in a County Civil Search is accurate?

At SmartHRCheqs™, data accuracy is a priority. Our County Civil Searches rely on information retrieved directly from public court records. We adhere to strict data verification procedures to ensure that the information you receive is reliable and based on 2 identifiers. 

6. Can a County Civil Search reveal expired information?

Depending on state and federal regulations, some civil records, especially bankruptcy filings, might be viewable only for a set period after discharge (often 7 to 10 years). Our team stays current on legal requirements to ensure you receive the most relevant information.

7. Can I use a SmartHRCheqs™ County Civil Search for other purposes?

While primarily used for pre-employment screening, County Civil Searches can be valuable in various situations, including post-employment investigations. We can discuss your specific needs to determine if a County Civil Search is the right solution.

8. How can I get started with a County Civil Search?

Contact SmartHRCheqs™ today! Our team of experts will guide you through the process and tailor a solution that meets your specific hiring needs. Leverage our 18+ years of experience to make informed decisions with confidence.