Address needed for Small Claims Court?

[ScarlettJah]

A tenant has disappeared after I applied to have their housing benefit paid directly to me as they were in arrears. I am considering Small Claims route but , of course, I don't know their new address. I have the address of his mother (obtained as next of kin)-would this suffice? Is there any other inexpensive way to trace this person? Thanks for your help and advice.

[factor-fiction]

I doubt the mother's address is of any interest to the court. This must be a common problem and I'd be interested to see the answer- so I hope you get some.
Does this site help? http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/c laims/index.htm

[ScarlettJah]

Thank you for your response-I do appreciate it. I had considered writing the defendant's name C/O mother's address but I did not know if that would satisfy the court . I do not know what evidence of serving the notice is required for Small Claims.

[Barmaid]

If you have tried to trace them but have been unsuccessful, you can still serve the proceedings at the last known address and it will constitute good service. All you need is a posting certificate stating that it has been served by first class post. However, the court will serve papers on your behalf if you wish, in which case all you need to do is provide a witness statement saying it is their last known address.

[ScarlettJah]

Thank you for that answer-it's very useful-however, one thing that puzzles me is their last address would be my property which seems to defeat the object.

[mandyb500]

You need to serve at the last known address usually by first class post and for the Court's purposes this will be good service

[factor-fiction]

That's correct. But I think what is puzzling SarlettJah is how the court helps get the money out of someone who won't respond as they don't know about the court hearing and can't be traced for enforcing the judgment.

[furrydice2]

You could try using http://www.findermonkey.co.uk/ we use them quite a lot.