Private Investigators for Divorce & Family Law
For many people, private investigators are a facet of media imagination. Though they certainly make entertaining characters, they do exist in the real world. Private investigators play a significant role in court cases, particularly in family law matters. Because most people value their families above all else, it is not unusual to go to great lengths to protect them. For some people, that means hiring a private investigator to collect information on their spouse or child’s other parent. Because divorces often mean that two people are irreconcilably different, the reality is that many divorces end up in a contentious space. The two members simply cannot agree, and extreme measures, such as hiring a private investigator, are taken.
Private Investigators and Adultery
In cases of divorce, a private investigator may be hired to find proof of adulterous behavior. Whether the person is hired before or after the divorce is filed is irrelevant. Generally speaking, it may simply indicate to the judge that the divorce is called for, but it does not affect aspects such as alimony, child custody, or child support. However, this may not be true if the information is used to argue that the cheating parent is an unfit primary parent. Sometimes, one spouse can use proof of adultery to argue that the other spouse engages in immoral behavior and cannot be trusted with children. Proof of adultery may also be used in divorce proceedings to affect the settlement. If a spouse can prove that their ex used mutual funds on their extramarital relationship, that money may be factored into the settlement and reduce the cheating spouse’s share.
Private Investigators and Finances
Another significant use of private investigator services is to prove that a spouse is better off than they are suggesting to court. Sometimes, a person can sway the court to their side by proving that their spouse is lying about their financial situation. Although technically all assets should be disclosed during a divorce, spouses sometimes find ways to sidestep the rules and keep funds out of the settlement mix. In these cases, the other spouse may choose to hire a private investigator to prove that the spouse has hidden property or undisclosed assets that should be considered.
Spousal Support and Child Support
Finances also play a role in both child support and spousal support agreements. These agreements rely on both parties to accurately disclose their financial information. This information is used to determine:
– If support from one party is warranted.
– How much support is warranted.
If one party were dishonest about their financial situation during these negotiations, there is a possibility that the payment amounts could be altered. For example, if a spouse paying spousal support claims to have a certain amount of money, but through private investigative work, it is discovered that they have far more than they disclosed, that spouse may have to pay more in spousal support. On the other side, if a spouse receiving payment claims to not have financial support and is found to be financially well off, spousal support payments could be reduced or stop altogether. The same scenario may apply to child support as well.
Private Investigators and Child Custody
Where private investigation gets especially precarious is in the realm of child support. In some cases, one spouse may need to prove that the child’s other parent is unfit to care for the child. That spouse could easily hire a private investigator to follow the parent in question and attempt to gather evidence of this type of behavior. Ultimately, child custody agreements are made in the best interest of the children at hand. If the spouse is, in fact, unfit, then the private investigator has served the case. However, in some cases, spouses may seek to punish their ex-partner, and a private investigator is hired as a means to closely analyze their ex-partner’s behavior.
Private Investigators and Substantiation
In general terms, private investigators can be made to substantiate terms or claims in a negotiation. It is natural for memories to be different from person to person. In some cases, a private investigator can act as a third party to confirm or deny claims made in court. Overall, this can be a valuable asset in court proceedings. With clear evidence, the case may proceed more smoothly, and negotiations can be brought to a close quickly.
Quality Private Investigator Services
Unfortunately, not all private investigators hold themselves to the same standard. What’s more, if they don’t have the experience necessary, you can waste your money very easily. In especially unfortunate situations, the “proof” that they find could be considered invalid in court, which can harm your case significantly. To avoid these situations, it is best to hire a private investigator through your attorney. As mentioned earlier, private investigators are more common than you probably think, and most attorneys have references or relationships with individuals they know who do quality work. By consulting your attorney first, you are guaranteed to find a private investigator who has the experience, who knows what to look for, and who knows how your attorney works. They will understand what your attorney needs and be able to find and deliver it in a manner that is legal and will build your case. What’s more, hiring a private investigator through your attorney ensures you are doing it for the right reasons and not out of spite or hurt feelings.
Stange Law Firm Passionate About the Law
For high-quality legal services, look no further than Stange Law Firm. We have multiple decades of experience in our work and will be able to advise you on private investigator services if you should need them. We run our business on a foundation of compassion and trust, and we are passionate about finding the truth and upholding the law. If you are going through a family law battle or other legal situation, contact us online today.
