The area of child custody is highly emotive, often involving allegations from one or both parties against the other. So can hiring a private investigator help?
The following discusses the functions such a professional can perform and how they might assist your case.
Types of Child Custody
There are two different types of child custody: legal custody and physical custody. The first covers the caregiver’s right to make legal decisions on behalf of the child. The second is to do with whom the child will live. Both can either be the responsibility of one person sole custody or both parties, joint custody.
Why You Might Need to Hire a Private Investigator?
By far the most common basis to hire a PI to help regarding child custody is when a parent has concerns for their child’s welfare. This could be for a multitude of reasons, most of which are to do with whether or not the other party can provide a stable environment for the child when in their care.
Private investigators are licensed and well-versed in the laws of the state in which they practice. They can also provide testimony in court. In some high-conflict child custody cases, ensuring the safety of parents, children, and investigators themselves can be just as crucial as gathering evidence. Trained bodyguards can provide professional protection during court appearances, exchanges, or sensitive meetings, helping maintain a secure environment while legal matters are handled.
The Role of the Private Investigator
This is the primary role of the private investigator and commences with an in-depth meeting to understand what needs to be carried out to gather the relevant evidence. This can be collated and presented in various formats, including images and videos taken in places that are not considered to be private. Examples of such locations include:
– In the street
– In a front yard
– Whilst shopping or socializing
The reasons a party might require such evidence are many, but these should only be relevant to determining who gets custody of the child. For instance:
– Concerns about drug and/or alcohol use around the child
– A romantic partner living in the home or spending time when the child is present
– Evidence that the child is being allowed to carry out behavior unsuitable for their age. For example, being allowed to stay up too late, not being encouraged to complete homework, etc.
– Any other proof that a parent might be neglecting or abusing a child
Asset Searches
This is an area in which private investigators excel, and is relevant in cases where a party is claiming they don’t have the finances to support a child or children. If a person is hiding assets a PI can attempt to uncover proof of this. It can be used to provide evidence that a parent or caregiver is trying to shirk their responsibilities.
Interviewing Witnesses
There are many people involved in the life of a child. Interviews with them can provide valuable evidence that the court can take into account. Such people might include:
– Teachers
– Neighbors
– Friends of the parent/caregiver
– Counselors or health care professionals
Background Checks
Carrying out background checks on the other parent/caregiver and anyone who has contact with the child is another important aspect of evidence gathering.
Contact Fast Guard Service for Reliable & Licensed Private Investigators
Leading security company, Fast Guard Service, runs a dedicated Private Investigation unit that covers the whole of the US and further afield if required. Their experienced investigators develop a customized plan of action according to your needs and offer a wholly discreet and confidential service.
To discover how a private investigator can help with your child custody case visit fastguardservice.com and schedule a consultation now.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Under which circumstances should one employ the services of a private investigator in child custody cases?
The PI can be employed when there are valid doubts among the parents regarding the safety of the child or the capability of the other parent to offer a stable environment.
2. What kind of evidence can a private investigator collect?
The evidence could be collected by the use of surveillance, interviewing witnesses, background checks, and searching assets by the private investigators.
3. Can private investigators be called to testify in court?
Yes, the licensed private investigators may appear to the court by the evidence they collect and testify.
4. What is the discretion of the child custody case by the private investigators?
The investigators work in secrecy as they are guided by very strict legal and ethical standards to safeguard the privacy of everyone.