UCC & Lien Services

The search for UCC financing statements, often referred to as UCC searches, is one of the most common public record searches performed in conjunction with corporate and financial transactions. Since the implementation of Revised Article 9 (RA9) of the UCC, there are strict rules for the filing of UCC financing statements and specific guidelines for the searching of UCC financing statements. RA9 also requires all parties to use their "exact name" or "legal name" when filing a UCC financing statement. While in theory this should make UCC searches more accurate, many states have restricted their search logic to "exact name" searches as well as limiting the ability to find filings that may have abbreviated names or misspellings, etc.

At the local level, UCC financing statements or other security agreements relating to goods attached to real property are referred to as UCC fixture filings. When searching for UCC fixture filings, it is proper to search the recording office that has jurisdiction over the location in which the real property is located.

RASi conducts UCC fixture filing searches frequently in local recording offices nationwide. With a network of local experts who are able to walk into local jurisdictions and conduct hands-on searches when or where necessary, RASi is able to provide its clients with accurate and expedient search results.

Bankruptcy cases are legal proceedings pertaining to financial matters and are processed through the federal court system, specifically by the United States Bankruptcy Court (USBC). The most common types of bankruptcy cases are Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 cases. These cases can be lengthy lasting for months or even years and often become complex as related civil matters from other local, state, and federal courts may arise.

RASi can help you obtain docket information, retrieve copies of petitions, motions, discharges, or other case related documents, or provide additional case research and retrievals to meet your needs. RASi also maintains a network of research specialists that can access older case files stored by the National Archive Center. With vast experience in performing bankruptcy searches, you can be assured RASi will perform a diligent and comprehensive search.

Civil Lawsuits, commonly referred to as Civil Litigation or Civil Actions, are court proceedings initiated by a plaintiff(s) to seek legal, monetary, or equitable relief from another party referred to as the defendant(s). A judgment can consist of monetary damages, court orders, injunctions, or other court resolutions.

RASi can perform a general index search, obtain related case documents, or perform specific case research at your request. RASi also maintains a vast network of research specialists whom have tremendous experience in searching court record indexes and providing comprehensive civil litigation searches. With years of experience in performing civil litigation searches, you can be assured RASi will perform a diligent and comprehensive civil litigation search.

Criminal Lawsuits, commonly referred to as Criminal Cases or Criminal Proceedings, are court proceedings initiated by a government agency representing the people (most commonly referred to as the District Attorney's Office) to seek justice for a crime allegedly committed by the defendant.

Criminal lawsuits are filed at all levels of government including local court systems, state court systems, and federal court systems. Within each court system, there are different courts assigned the authority or jurisdiction to process various types of criminal matters.

RASi can perform court index searches, obtain case related documents, or perform specific case research at your request. With a vast network of research specialists, RASi can provide you with accurate and comprehensive criminal searches. Whether you are performing due diligence or pre-screening for potential employees, with our years of experience you can count on RASi to conduct a diligent criminal litigation search.

One of the most common liens found when researching public records is that of the Tax Lien. A tax lien is a lien filed against a debtor (individual or company) for unpaid taxes. Tax liens can come from all levels of government including Federal Tax Liens, State Tax Liens, County Tax Liens and even City Tax Liens (local level tax liens may have slightly different names). Depending on the state, tax liens can be filed at the state and/or local recording offices.

In many states when a judgment has been rendered in a court action, that judgment can be filed with a local or state recording office to create a lien. Many jurisdictions refer to this lien as a Judgment Lien or an Abstract of Judgment Lien. These liens act as a public notification of the judgment and can prevent the debtor from entering into various corporate or real estate transactions until the judgment has been satisfied. The judgment itself is also a matter of public record and can be searched on the court record systems where the case was processed.

A Mechanic's Lien is a lien filed by a contractor (or related vendor) when payment has not been made for the services provided by that contractor on an improved piece of real property. The lien seeks to guarantee payment in the future by preventing the homeowner from obtaining a full title or selling the property before paying for the contracted services. When a mechanic's lien can be filed varies based on state and/or local laws, but is typically after the contractor's work has been completed.

RASi conducts numerous public record searches and is familiar with the researching other miscellaneous liens most often filed with local real estate recording offices.