The truth is: sh** happens and guess what? Divorce happens. When children are involved, the situation can become more intense and challenging. When two people agree to terminate their marriage, or separate, the custody of the child or children is brought into question, which in its simplest terms, involves determining who has care and control of the children. In some cases, the custody of the children is mutually agreed upon by both parents and is outlined within the separation agreement. However, more often than not, custody arrangements can get a little sticky. One parent may want full or partial custody or be fighting for increased visitation time.
What happens when one parent deems the other unfit to parent? In these more complex custody disagreements, a lawyer or mediator may be called in to help, or the court will make the ultimate decision. Should one parent deem the other parent unfit to raise their child, they will need to present evidence to the court. There are however, strict limitations regarding what can be considered valid evidence within a court of law. Outdated evidence, or evidence that was illegally obtained in breach of privacy laws, may not only be deemed unusable, but may ultimately hurt your case and credibility. If you’re going to court, you had better come correct.
The Role of the Private Investigator in Your Child Custody Case
A private investigator can be hired as part of the child custody dispute, to help gather accurate information and evidence (in a legal manner – of course) that can strengthen your case. Private investigators are experienced in obtaining objective evidence and testimony for court-use, and understand how to present it in a professional, sequential manner, to strengthen your argument. Be certain that the Investigation Agency you retain, are highly experienced and knowledgeable Family Law Investigation Experts.
Depending on the type of information that the client is looking to obtain, a private investigator will use a variety of different methods, including:
- Surveillance, including undercover and mobile, which allows the private investigator to obtain confidential, date and time stamped video and photograph evidence. Most surveillance footage is collected when the subject(s) are out and about. For example, public grounds, such as a park, sport facilities, malls, grocery store, or perhaps even simply from the street. This is the strongest form of evidence within a court of law, and our expert team is skilled and highly experienced in obtaining video and photographic proof that tells a story on its own!
- Background Searches are investigations into an individual’s history. A client may wish to uncover current or past information pertaining to someone’s current or prior relationship or family status, employment verification, criminal or financial records. This may include an asset search to expose any hidden sources of income that the parent may be attempting to conceal to limit their financial obligations to their child.
- Witness Testimony to help reveal signs of the character of the parent and their past conduct while caring for your children.
What Can the Information Gathered by a Private Investigator Reveal?
A child custody investigation can help expose behaviour, character, or lifestyle factors that will be considered by the court in determining the best interests of your child(ren). Some of the evidence gathered by the private investigator may include instances of:
- Drug or alcohol use or abuse
- Reckless driving
- Criminal activity
- Verbal abuse, or neglect
- An unsafe, unsanitary, or unhygienic living space
However, it goes both ways; should a parent be falsely accused of being an unfit parent within a child custody dispute, they may elect to hire a private investigator to help disprove any of the above allegations.
An experienced Private Investigation Agency needs to provide valid, legally-obtained evidence to the court, via a written, sworn report. Your private investigator may also be asked to testify in court to corroborate the information collected regarding the suitability of the conduct of the parent in question, as well as the quality of the home environment.
Whomever is securing or providing the investigation services, the goal of any child custody investigation is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your children. We understand, as well as you do, that a child’s best chance of success is with caregivers who have their best interests at heart.
Looking for a private investigator to help you in your child custody battle? Talk to us. Call us today to speak to a human. As the leading private investigation firm in Toronto, the Expert Team at Star Quality Private Investigations® have decades of results-driven experience in custody and family law-related investigation matters. As our client, you’ll benefit from our close partnerships with some of the country’s top Family Law Attorneys, providing you with access to their expertise and knowledge anytime you need them during your case.
Custody battles are a highly emotional and stressful process; we are committed to doing everything in our power to deliver both peace of mind and guidance, to help you navigate this process as seamlessly as possible.