Divorce is never easy and often stands as one of life’s most difficult, emotionally charged challenges for any adult. Picture a scenario where your once-intimate partner becomes an unfamiliar adversary, potentially seeking to strip away what’s rightfully yours, even your parental rights. At such a pivotal time, outside support becomes vital to secure the best possible divorce settlement, allowing you to move on with your life. So, how does a private investigator actually help in divorce proceedings? Below, the Toronto private investigators at Haywood Hunt & Associates Inc. outline several ways in which a private investigator can offer assistance in divorce and child custody cases.

Revealing Support-related Details

Certain spouses may attempt to evade their rightful obligations by underreporting their income for child or spousal support purposes. This can involve tactics such as inflating debts or deferring business revenue for business owners, or temporarily reducing work hours for employees, thus masking their true earnings. Specialized Support Payments Investigations can uncover these deceptive practices and ensure accurate financial disclosures.

Obtaining Evidence of Infidelity or Other Wrongdoing

While some regions offer no-fault divorce options, where proof of misconduct like adultery isn’t necessary, specific circumstances may demand evidence of marital wrongdoing, such as prenuptial agreements with adultery clauses. In such cases, substantiating marital misconduct can lead to more favourable outcomes for a spouse, impacting matters like child custody and spousal support agreements significantly. These investigations provide the necessary evidence discreetly, eliminating the need for direct confrontation.

Assessing Child Custody Concerns

We asked  Malerie Rose, a family lawyer in Mississauga about her experiences with our private investigators in child custody cases. She says, “in cases where a spouse harbours concerns about potential harm to their child from their ex-partner’s activities, a private investigator can conduct a thorough investigation. Surveillance may be employed to monitor the other spouse for signs of child abuse, questionable conduct, or substance misuse. Additionally, the investigator may gather information from neighbours and teachers to build a comprehensive case regarding potential changes in child custody arrangements if warranted. We’ve used private investigators for these types of cases over the years with great success.”

Assisting in the Discovery of Concealed Assets

When suspicions arise that a spouse is concealing financial resources, it’s not uncommon to engage a private investigator for assistance. Some individuals may stash money and assets away during the entire marriage, while others may begin doing so shortly before initiating divorce proceedings. Regardless of the circumstances, a skilled investigator can uncover hidden assets, no matter how meticulously they’ve been concealed. Methods of concealment vary, ranging from lending funds to acquaintances to purchasing property under a relative’s name or transferring money to offshore accounts. Each of these actions leaves behind traces that a private investigator can adeptly follow, bringing such assets to light. 

Selecting the Right Private Investigator

When choosing the ideal private investigator for your case, several factors warrant consideration:

  1. Licensing: Ensure the investigator holds the necessary licensure required by law.
  2. Experience: Assess their tenure in the field and investigate their prior work history, including any law enforcement, military, or technological background.
  3. Specialization: Determine if they specialize in the type of investigation pertinent to your case.
  4. Education and Training: Evaluate their educational background, training, and expertise relevant to your specific investigative needs.
  5. Practical vs. Academic Aptitude: Consider whether they possess practical “street smarts” or academic prowess aligning with the tasks required.
  6. Courtroom Experience: Examine their experience testifying in court and their ability to present as a credible witness if called upon.
  7. Willingness to Testify: Ensure they are willing to testify if necessary and that they agree to do so when required.

By thoroughly assessing these factors, you can make an informed decision when selecting the most suitable private investigator for your case.