Companies That Hire Courthouse Researchers

If you love research and have an eye for details, then working as a courthouse researcher could be ideal for you.

Even though these jobs are considered remote or home-based, they do require frequent trips to your local courthouse.

These jobs are usually part-time, independent contractor positions and can easily be done by stay-at-home moms while the kids are in school. I say while the kids are in school because I don’t recommend taking little ones to the courthouse.

This type of job is great for those who want to work from home, but also like to get out of the house every now and then. And they don’t require being on the phone.

What is a Courthouse Researcher?

Courthouse researchers are usually hired by mortgage companies, marketing companies, law firms, and companies that specialize in background checks.

Even though a lot can be found online, not all records are accessible online, and this requires actually going to the courthouse and retrieving them either electronically, or manually from books.

The types of records retrieved can vary from criminal records to mortgage documents.

Skills Needed to be a Courthouse Researcher

You should have a high school diploma or GED. You’ll also need to have excellent writing, spelling, and grammar, keen attention to detail, the ability to research, and a typing speed of at least 35 words per minute.

Most of these companies don’t require any previous experience, but a couple of them do require some previous experience.

What Equipment is Needed?

You’ll need at least a laptop computer and either MS Office or Google Docs because some information may have to be entered on spreadsheets. You’ll also need to have reliable transportation since you’ll be traveling to your local courthouse. 

• Accurate Background

Accurate Background conducts background checks for different employers. Some of the services they offer are criminal searches, driving history, and credit reports. They occasionally hire remote courthouse researchers.

• Advanced Background Check

Advanced Background Check specializes in pre-employment background screening for companies in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Some of their customers include Fortune 500 companies. They require at least 3 years of previous experience, and you must have Errors and Omissions insurance. To be considered for a researcher position, click on “Become a Researcher” and complete the application.

• Convergence Research

Convergence Research has been in business since 2007 and based in Cincinnati, OH. They offer pre-employment background screening services to businesses hiring new employees. If you’re interested in a researcher position with them, you’ll need to send them an email and inquire about any open positions they may have.

• Court Couriers

Court Couriers conducts pre-employment background checks for a flat rate fee, instead of being subscription-based like other companies. They hire independent contractors to check felony, misdemeanor, and civil records. They allow you to choose as many searches as you want. They pay every other week. If you’re interested in becoming a researcher, you’ll need to complete the application and wait to be contacted.

• IT-Boss Research

IT-Boss has been in business since 1991 and regularly hires remote court researchers. All information collected by researchers is entered on a pre-formatted spreadsheet. These are independent contractor, 1099 positions. To be considered, you’ll need to complete the researcher application and wait to be contacted.

• JBS Court Research Services

JBS has been in business since 1996, is based in Michigan and they specialize in court research services. They require their researchers to have a laptop and cell phone. You must have a laptop before you apply, or you won’t be considered. All information collected by researchers is put on a spreadsheet or Word/Google document to be submitted to the company. Contact them to inquire about open positions.

• MailCo Productions

MailCo Productions has been in business since 1994. They specialize in lead generation for mortgage protection services. They hire remote researchers to research deed and mortgage records. In order to be considered for a position, you’ll need to email them and submit your resume.

• Morse Genealogical Services

Morse Genealogical Services is a firm that specializes in locating heirs. They hire remote researchers to research probate and death record information. They offer full-time and part-time employment and allow you to choose your own hours. In order to be considered, you’ll need to complete the application form and wait to be contacted.

• Public Knowledge, Inc.

Public Knowledge specializes in research for mortgage lead generation. They hire remote researchers, who have no prior experience, to research mortgage information. The pay is per record and new researchers average $12 to $14 per hour but will increase with experience as your speed increases. They pay on a weekly basis. In order to be considered, you’ll need to pass a skills test.

• Sunlark Research

Sunlark Research has been in business since 2005. This company hires remote researchers with no previous experience. The type of information collected depends on the client but is generally basic information such as names and addresses. In order to be considered for a position, you’ll need to complete the application and wait to be contacted.

• Wholesale Screening Solutions

Wholesale Screening Solutions specializes in pre-employment background checks, and tenant screening for landlords. They hire remote researchers with at least 6 months of previous experience, although they prefer 2 years of experience. To be considered, you’ll need to send them an email.

• Wolfgang Research

Wolfgang Research hires remote researchers with no previous experience. In order to be considered for a position, you’ll need to complete the contact form and wait to hear from them.

 

Final Thoughts on Courthouse Research Jobs

One thing to keep in mind is the amount of work you get will depend greatly on the area you live in. Those living in larger, more populated areas will get more work than those living in more rural areas with fewer people.

Because these positions are part-time, you can also sign up with more than one company to increase your chances of more work.

Another place to find courthouse research jobs is through the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). NARA offers a platform for independent researchers to complete an application, and companies looking to hire can find researchers. It’s important to note, that researchers are not an employee of NARA, this is simply a database for companies to find researchers.