Should I Hire a Private Investigator for My Child Custody Case?
In the emotionally charged arena of child custody battles, every decision is pivotal, and every action scrutinized. While legal procedures and court orders provide a framework for resolving disputes, they often rely heavily on evidence and testimony. In many cases, this evidence extends beyond what is readily available to the public, which requires the expertise of a private investigator.
What is a Child Custody Investigation?
Child custody investigations are conducted to observe the treatment and well-being of children within the context of divorce or custody cases. These investigations explore various aspects of the child’s life, including their interactions with each parent, living conditions, and overall welfare. The findings are documented in a comprehensive report, which is typically provided to the respective lawyers involved in the case. In some cases, these reports may also be presented to the court and utilized in custody evaluations.
[RELATED: CGA Solutions Child Custody Investigation Services]
There are many reasons to recruit a private investigator for a child custody case, including:
1. Proving Neglect or Harmful Behavior:
One of the primary objectives of a child custody investigation is to uncover any instances of neglect or harmful behavior towards the child. Private investigators carefully observe the interactions between the child and each parent, looking for any signs of neglect or abuse. We can also conduct background investigations and gather evidence to investigate claims related to parental misconduct, substance abuse, criminal history, or neglect.
2. Determining Visitation Rights:
When one parent wants to establish or modify visitation rights, a child custody investigation can provide valuable evidence to support their claims. Investigators assess each parent’s home environment and their ability to provide a safe and nurturing space for the child during visitation periods.
3. Assessing Stability and Lifestyle:
Stability is a big factor in deciding custody arrangements, and private investigators play an important role in evaluating the stability and lifestyle of each parent. This includes assessing factors such as employment status, financial stability, housing conditions, and overall lifestyle choices that may impact the child’s well-being. Private investigators have the skills and resources to conduct thorough asset searches, uncover hidden financial accounts, and provide evidence of undisclosed income to ensure that the court has a comprehensive understanding of each party’s financial situation.
4. Uncovering Criminal Activity:
Allegations of criminal activity by either parent can significantly impact custody decisions. Private investigators conduct thorough background checks and investigations to uncover any criminal history or unlawful behavior that may pose a risk to the child’s safety or well-being.
5. Addressing Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse:
Child custody investigations also aim to identify instances of domestic violence or sexual abuse within the family dynamic. Investigators gather evidence to substantiate or negate accusations of abuse.
6. Identifying Barred Associates:
In some cases, a parent’s associations or relationships may raise concerns about their suitability for custody. Private investigators delve into the backgrounds of individuals the parent associates with, to identify any risks or negative effects on the child’s welfare.
What Evidence does a Private Investigator Collect?
Private investigators play a crucial role in uncovering essential information that can influence custody decisions. The services a child custody investigator often provides include:
Surveillance
Types of surveillance and how in-depth they go can vary from case to case. A child custody investigator will use a variety of surveillance techniques to determine how the child is treated by their parent or guardian. The investigator will legally document the treatment of the child and the actions of the parent or guardian through photos, videos, and witness interviews.
The evidence found by the private investigator can be used in court to substantiate claims of abuse and neglect towards the child. They can also substantiate claims of criminal and/or reckless activities, such as reckless driving, gambling, drug abuse, or other activities that negatively impact the child(ren.)
The investigator can also uncover evidence that the parent or guardian does not provide a safe or hygienic living space, food, or other necessities for the child’s wellbeing.
Social Media Intelligence
Investigators can perform social media investigations on those who are actively involved in the child’s life. This includes the parents, grandparents, partners, cousins, or anyone else who would interact with the child if that person received custody. This can provide viable evidence of the types of people the child would be around and the beliefs that would be instilled in him or her.
Interview Witnesses And Gather Testimonials
A private investigator will engage with witnesses on their client’s behalf to determine how the child is being treated while in custody of the other parent. Witness statements are highly valuable pieces of evidence in child custody cases, and can have a substantial impact on the outcome.
Witness statements can also be helpful for your defense if the client’s credibility or reputation is being questioned. For example, if an ex-spouse alleges the client is an addict with a history of abuse and has fallen back in the lifestyle, an investigator will collect witness testimonies of friends, families, and potentially sponsors to see if that is true or just an attack of their character.
Conduct Background Investigations On Other Involved Parties
When performing a custody investigation, a private investigator will normally conduct background checks on 1.) the two parties involved in the custody battle, and 2.) the people most commonly involved in each of their lives. This includes, but is not limited to, grandparents, partners, cousins, friends, employers, and more.
These background investigations are done to ensure that anyone involved in the child’s life is suitable for the child’s needs and can provide a safe environment.
Testify In Court
Private Investigators can be valuable witnesses in court, because they are an unbiased party with the child’s best interest in mind.
Parties involved in a court case typically present their best selves while in court. However, private investigators present evidence and facts about all parties involved that may not have been disclosed otherwise. They can provide evidence of these parties’ intentions and what actually goes on in their daily lives.
Consider Hiring A Private Investigator for your child custody case
At CGA Solutions, we have over 2 decades of experience obtaining firsthand evidence on child custody and child welfare cases. By conducting thorough investigations and providing reliable and unbiased evidence to the courts, we contribute to the fair and just resolution of custody cases.
The ultimate goal of these investigations is to safeguard the best interests of the child and ensure that they are placed in a loving and nurturing environment.
If you or a loved one is concerned about a child’s safety, have been falsely accused of abuse or neglect, are required by law, or just want peace of mind, contact CGA Solutions for a free initial consultation on what our child custody investigations can do for you.
