{"id":351661,"date":"2018-11-14T14:29:35","date_gmt":"2018-11-14T19:29:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/child-custody\/using-a-private-investigator-for-child-custody-divorce-and-other.html"},"modified":"2023-06-08T11:40:12","modified_gmt":"2023-06-08T16:40:12","slug":"using-a-private-investigator-for-child-custody-divorce-and-other","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody\/using-a-private-investigator-for-child-custody-divorce-and-other.html","title":{"rendered":"Using a Private Investigator for Child Custody, Divorce, and Other Disputes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Using a Private Investigator for Child Custody, Divorce, and Other Disputes<\/h1>\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Child custody cases can be emotionally charged and complex. This is especially true when a child’s safety and well-being are at stake. Hiring a private investigator can help by uncovering crucial information for your case. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The discovery process<\/a> involves parties sharing documents and other evidence. It is an important step in most legal disputes. Discovery is crucial in family law matters, such as divorce and child custody. Family law attorneys<\/a> sometimes use private investigators (P.I.s) to gather evidence about the other party.<\/p>\r\n

However, P.I.s must follow specific procedures to ensure the information they gather is accurate and legally admissible. This article discusses private investigators and what you should consider before hiring one.<\/p>\r\n

The Role of a Private Investigator: The Basics<\/h2>\r\n

Family law disputes typically involve "they said" arguments that require fact-finding. Attorneys undergo training to identify the most relevant type of information in discovery. But they may turn the fact-finding task over to licensed private investigators. While investigators don’t have policing powers, they play a similar role in gathering evidence.<\/p>\r\n

Child custody investigations are specialized services offered by private investigators. The investigations assist parents involved in custody battles. These investigations aim to gather evidence and information about various aspects of the child’s life. By conducting thorough investigations, private investigators can uncover critical details. These details might reveal key facts related to parental stability and living conditions. The evidence might also disclose potential risks that could influence custody decisions.<\/p>\r\n

The role of a private investigator<\/a> varies by the type of dispute and the needs of the case, but P.I.s generally perform the following basic tasks:<\/p>\r\n