I am taking someone to small claims court and have been told that I cannot send court papers to their company address. Although they have said they had passed the matter to their solicitors, the solicitors say they have no file on this. Other thank following the person home from work, I do not know how I can find their home address. I am loath to do this and also don't know if it is legal. Can anyone help.
I don't think it is illegal to follow anyone, providing it isn't stalking. In your case, as you'd only do it the once, it shouldn't be classed as stalking.
You can serve the papers personally on the other person or you can have them delivered to them by registered post. Incidentally I can't see why the papers can't be sent by registered post to their place of work - I would think it would constitute valid service.
I advise you to send the papers recorded mail as this will be acceptable proof he/she has received them ...... Do not mark the envelope 'Legal Papers' .... you could try printing CONGRATULATIONS on the top of the envelope :)
You could give them personally (as bailiffs(?) do) but then how could you prove he'd got them? As PhilBy has said, Recorded Delivery is much better, and is accepted as proof.
just another thought - if they have a website, try a 'whois' search on their domain name - I have done this to get the home address & telephone number of a dodgy local business man.
Contact the court who will put you in contact with a process server who for a small fee will attend the address and serve the papers personally on the person and then provide an affidavit proving service to the court. Or get his solicitors to confirm if they will accept papers on his behalf if they are instructed in the case. Tell them the matter is before the court and they should pass the papers on to the address the have for him