We don't offer a hourly rate because you can make more by doing it per hour. By offering a hourly rate, researchers that are working hard and collecting a lot of information earn more by receiving a per record rate. It would not be fair to pay a researcher collecting 80 records/hour as someone who goes into the courthouse,collects 8 records, and spends the rest of the time talking with others in the courthouse. It's a incentive to work! We tried the hourly rate, people took advantage.
I'm getting a laptop, can I get started now and use it once I receive it?
No. 99% of people who say this aren't actually getting a laptop and don't ever visit the courthouse. Please don't apply until you have a laptop.
Don't you have anything I can do from home so I don't have to leave?
We don't hire people for strictly at home positions. We have many researchers that are covering rural areas. As a reward for helping us out, these people are given online work to help supplement. This is our way of saying thanks.
I have a full time job. Can I do this in the evenings?
Courthouses are open during the day. They're government run. If you have a full time job during the day, this will not work out.
How often am I paid?
We currently pay once a month. Everything done during a certain month is paid the 15th of the following month. I.E. Work done in March will be paid on April 15th.
How many counties can I do?
You can do as many as you'd like. To start, you are given one county. Once you have visited the county, you've proven you are actually serious and can take on as much work as possible.
I have a friend or spouse that wants to help me. Can we work together?
Sure! Teams are welcome to apply. Everyone will be required to submit the appropriate forms and documents.
I have a mac laptop. Does this matter?
If you can't run programs that are based on Windows, yes it does matter. You must be able to run the software and access PDF, Excel, and Word documents.
How much can I really make?
That depends on the project, your territory, and you. If you don't do anything, you won't make anything. Self motivation is the key. We pay on a per piece/record basis to keep it fair to all.
If I'm a independent contractor, how come you give me a schedule?
A schedule is set as a guideline. You may visit whenever you want. Schedules are based on the population size and requirements from the client. As long as the schedule is kept, you are open on scheduling.
Do you pay mileage or hotel costs?
No, we do not pay mileage or hotel costs. If you elect to cover a large distance, that is your choosing. While we have some researchers that cover 50 or 60 counties, most cover 2 or 3. Please be sure to list distances on your application.
I did a search and could not find you listed with the BBB. Are you a real company?
Yes, we are listed with the BBB. Do a search for JBS, located in Gobles, Michigan.
Where is my local courthouse located?
There is over 5,000 courthouses in the United States. We do not have a list of where all courthouses are. You can find your local courthouses by looking online, or checking the blue pages of your phone book.
I will be moving soon. Can I do this where I am moving?
Yes! As long as we have a need where you will be moving, you are welcome to get started and transfer. In addition, if you go on vacation, you're welcome to visit the local courthouse if we have a need.
I've never heard of court research. Is this legal?
All records that we collect are public records. Anyone can request this information. Courthouses have researchers visit for various reasons all the time. Some research we do have less requests, in these situations the clerks are not as familiar. On the rare occasion, we have been denied access but this almost never happens.
I don't have a baby sitter. Can I take my kids with me?
Keep in mind, you are trying to keep a professional front when visiting the courthouse. Kids can get bored, become disruptive, ect. If they aren't old enough to know to behave when needed, they should stay with a baby sitter.
Can I work for other court research companies?
Yes, per IRS regulations and guidelines, we cannot restrict you from working for other court research companies. We do request that you do not share company information or records that you provide to us with any other company.
I have some time during my lunch hour. Can I do this during that time?
No, this does not allow you enough time to arrive at the court house and pull the data that is needed.
Isn't there anyone I can call about the position instead of e-mailing?
No, you must apply first before you will be contacted. We do not accept phone calls for applicants. If we accepted phone calls, our recruiter would spend all day on the phone and would not have any time to hire anyone. If you have a question, please e-mail.
