Going through a divorce is often an emotionally draining and legally complex process. When dealing with the commitments and challenges of everyday life it can be difficult to find the time and resources to obtain evidence when disputes over assets, child custody, or infidelity arise. If one side feels the outcome was unfair and submits an appeal this can further complicate and lengthen the process, so getting it right the first time is important so both parties can move on with their life.
A private investigator can provide factual and unbiased information to support a case that may be pivotal in the divorce outcome. So, let’s look into how a private investigator can assist in a divorce case and what to expect in the process.
3 Ways Private Investigators Help in Divorce Cases
1. Investigating Adultery: Surveillance
In 2023 110,770 people applied for divorce and data indicates that adultery is the reason for 1 in 7 divorces. Proving your partner of adultery can massively influence financial settlements and custody decisions; this is where investigators make the difference.
Private investigators offer covert surveillance services in which documented court-admissible evidence can be gathered and exhibited in the form of photographs, videos, and witness statements. Some individuals make the mistake of attempting to conduct surveillance themselves or getting a friend or acquaintance to do it for them. However, this presents serious practical and ethical risks.
Any evidence gathered independently is unlikely to be admissible in court. If caught, it could make your spouse more cautious, making it harder for a professional investigator to obtain legitimate evidence. More importantly, if your surveillance crosses the border into harassment or stalking, a complaint may be filed against you under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, potentially leading to legal consequences.
A professional investigator provides an unbiased, objective perspective, possesses a full understanding of privacy laws, and has the knowledge and resources to conduct surveillance undetected. The crucial point is that private investigators operate within legal boundaries by considering:
- Whether the surveillance is justified by legitimate concerns
- Whether the duration is proportionate to the investigation’s objective
- Avoiding prolonged surveillance in locations where an individual has a strong expectation of privacy
At Prometheus, covert surveillance is one of our most sought-after services. We have helped many individuals achieve closure by providing discreet, legal, and effective evidence collection for divorce cases. If you suspect infidelity click here to find out more.
2. Locating Hidden Assets: Digital Digging
In contentious divorces, a spouse may attempt to hide assets to avoid fair distribution. A 2023 study by Investec Wealth & Investment found that around a third (33%) of people who divorced in the past 10 years reported feeling unhappy with their financial settlement and a whopping 25% hid assets from their former partner. Concealing property & luxury items, transferring money to family or friends, and underreporting income are some tactics people use to hide assets. A private investigator who specialises in asset tracing can reveal hidden assets by conducting meticulous public record & financial searches, performing online lifestyle analysis, verifying business & employment, and locating unreported bank accounts.
Investigators of this sort are usually former police or Nation Crime Agency (NCA) officers who have experience in investigating organised and economic crimes. To work in asset tracing, one needs to have a mind capable of navigating and analysing vast quantities of digital data and at Prometheus our asset tracing investigators often surprise the team with some of the things they find!
3. Child Custody: Fighting For Your Child
When parents separate, the well-being of their children becomes the primary concern for both the court and the parents involved. The court’s goal is to determine the best living arrangement for the child, ensuring their safety, stability, and overall welfare.
However, in some divorce cases, one parent may accuse the other of being unfit, or there may be concerns regarding neglect, abuse, drug use, or unstable living conditions. In such cases, a private investigator can be a crucial asset in uncovering the truth and providing legally admissible evidence. In such cases, covert surveillance is employed to monitor and document former spouses’ activities. Investigators can also take witness statements, undertake background checks on new partners, and monitor social media for evidence of reckless behaviour, mental instability, and hateful comments about the co-parent.
Conclusion:
A divorce private investigator plays a vital role in gathering unbiased, factual evidence that can significantly impact the outcome of a divorce case. Whether it involves proving adultery, uncovering hidden assets, or ensuring the safety and well-being of children in custody disputes, a private investigator can help bring solutions to these challenges. The divorce rate in the UK is reported to be 42%, and many divorcees receive unjust outcomes as a result of their former partners’ selfish and deceptive behaviour, which signifies the important role private investigators play in helping reach fair divorce settlements.
Many people hesitate to hire an investigator for a divorce case, while others dismiss the idea altogether due to misconceptions about potential ethical and legal risks. This hesitation is understandable, as the private investigation industry has long been misrepresented by media and pop culture.
Our commitment as divorce investigators is to uphold ethical practices and by doing so challenge these stereotypes so that more people feel comfortable to reach out for assistance.
If you are going through a divorce or know someone who is and would like to know more about our divorce investigation services, then please contact us today.