Frequently Asked Questions Categories

1. What types of documents do you serve?
2. Where are you located?
3. What are your office hours?
4. How long have you been in business?
5. Are you licensed?
6. Are you Insured?
7. How long will it take to complete my service?
8. Do you have a limit to the number of attempts you will make?
9. Do the same fees apply to your whole service area?
10. Do you offer a “Rush” option?
11. How do you handle people who attempt to avoid service?
12. What if the address I have for the individual is no longer valid?
13. How do I get my documents to you?
14. How do I get the finished product?
15. Do I need a Motion to Appoint a Special Process Server?
16. Do you have Web Access?
17. How do I pay?

What types of documents do you serve?

Civil documents of any type.

• Summons
• Complaint
• Subpoena
• Witness
• Notice
• Eviction
• Divorce
• Wage and Non-wage Garnishments
• Letters
• 5, 10 and 30 Day Notices
• Petition
• Order
• Custody
• Ordinance Violation

Where are you located?

Lincoln, Illinois is our company headquarters.  It is conveniently located between, Peoria , Bloomington, Decatur and Springfield.

Our three satellite offices are also staffed by full time agents and are strategically located in:

Champaign, Illinois
Rock Island/Moline, Illinois
Macomb, Illinois

What are your office hours?

8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday.  During these times we have full time staff to respond to your needs immediately via telephone and e-mail.

How long have you been in business?

Meador Investigations was founded in 1999.  Michael Meador has additionally been involved in Investigations and service to the legal profession since 1990.

Are you licensed?

Yes.  Meador investigations is an Illinois Licensed Private Detective Agency (#117-001077).

Are you Insured?

Yes.  The State of Illinois requires all Illinois Private Detective Agencies to carry $1,000,000.00 Liability and Errors and Omissions insurance.

Additionally, we do not use 1099 contractors, but instead employ only full time professionals with the correct Workers' Compensation Insurance. 

How long will it take to complete my service?

We strive to make our first attempt on every paper in the first 24-48 hours.  Attempts will continue at varying times every 24 to 48 hours until the document is served or until no longer able to be served.  We understand that our success depends on being as expedient as possible.  Our clients have also told us that our quick turnaround times allow them more opportunities to resolve the case before appearing in court, thus improving their bottom line.

Do you have a limit to the number of attempts you will make?

No.  On occasion we have made 15 ,20 or more than 30 attempts, at no additional charge, to complete a service.

Do the same fees apply to your whole service area?

Yes.  Regardless of the number of miles we travel or the distance from our office, our rate is standard throughout our service area.  If your document falls outside our service area we may be able to accept it on a “Case by case” basis.  We often recommend a professional who may be able to serve you better in that geographic area.

Do you offer a “Rush” option?

Yes.  We often accept documents via email and facsimile for service the Same Day or Next Day. 

How do you handle people who attempt to avoid service?

We have found the “Secret” is simply to keep trying and to try new things.

What if the address I have for the individual is no longer valid?

Meador Investigation uses several tools to generate new addresses in our regular course of business.  Additional Skip Tracing services are available at very reasonable rates.

How do I get my documents to you?

Mail - In most cases the easiest method is to simply use the United States Post office to send them to:

Meador Investigations
PO Box 157
Lincoln, IL 62656

UPS/FedEx – Both of these sources deliver to our office Daily.   This address is:

Meador Investigations
2201 Woodlawn #560
Lincoln, IL 62656

Pick-Up – We maintain “Boxes” or “Baskets” in many of our area courthouses where documents can be deposited upon original filing.  Those repositories are checked approximately every 48 hours.  This method is available at the following courthouses:

• Champaign
• Macon
• McDonough
• Peoria
• Rock Island
• Sangamon
• Tazewell

E-mail – The following address is checked regularly for new assignments This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Fax – Documents may be sent to 866-688-2155

Data Exchange – For large scale clients, we are able to import cases directly into our system with some customization to accommodate your firm's software.

How do I get the finished product?

While many customers have differing requirements, the following options are available at no charge:

• Upon completion of the affidavit, a copy is emailed to you with the accompanying invoice.
• Signed originals are filed directly with the local court relieving you of that time and cost.
• Or, plain old return mail.

Do I need a Motion to Appoint a Special Process Server?

No.  With the exception of Cook County, Illinois, state law does not require Licensed Private Detectives to be appointed to serve process. 

Do you have Web Access?

Yes.  Customers are given user names and passwords so that they can access current and historical information regarding any of their cases or invoices. 

How do I pay?

Check.  Once an relationship is established with your firm, you will be able to pay upon invoicing.