- The Do's and Don'ts of Infidelity
- Expectations of an Infidelity Investigation
- Home Improvement Fraud
- Identity Theft
- Seller Be Ware
- Signs of a Cheating Spouse
- Felons on the Payroll
Answers Staff
It is painful to find out your spouse is having an affair. In most instances the person having the affair shows a number of signs. They can include loss of sexual drive, an increase in "nights out with the guys", unexplained expenses, or an increase of late nights at the office. Many spouses ignore the signs for a long period of time because they don't want to face the situation. As difficult as it is to admit the possibility, it is even more difficult to decide what steps to take. Starting a journal is a great start. The spouse should listing the habits and characteristics that cause concern. This journal will also be useful to the attorney and investigator later on.
Deciding to forgive the loved one and work through the difficulties is a noble decision, however, it is always best to be prepared for the worst. Whether you decide to love 'em or leave 'em, evidence is always valuable for dealing with the inevitable situation and you should not feel guilty about hiring a private investigator. The guilt is not yours to bear.
Finding a good private investigator is more difficult when you are trying to be discreet. If you already have an attorney, ask for a referral. Many attorneys have one private investigator they have come to trust. Check with the state-regulating agency and with state associations for recommendations.
The cost of an infidelity investigation can vary greatly depending on the state, investigator, circumstances, and especially the subject. Interview several investigators asking each about prices and estimated costs; you will soon see an average range. Many spouses don't have hidden money they can use to hire a private investigator without the other's knowledge. This will be another challenge. You may want to consider borrowing money from a family member. Don't be tempted to take to lowest bid for the sake of expenses. As with any profession there are varying degrees of competence. Likewise the most expensive investigator may not produce any more evidence than less expensive investigators.
After the investigation had begun you still want to keep notes in your journal. Do not write any information about the investigator or investigation in your journal. If the subject discovers it, accidentally or on purpose, it will be easier to explain away without compromising the investigation. Private investigators are taught to never admit their purpose to the subject, even if the subject confronts the investigator and accuses him of investigating them. This is a good rule for the client to follow as well. Whether the investigation produces evidence or the investigation is terminated due to reconciliation, it will be wise to deny any investigation.
Evidence produced from the investigation will depend upon the facts, the subject, and even timing. Evidence can be a video of the two talking to one another at a softball game, the spouse visiting the person's home, public displays of affection, or an overnight visit. Invading an adulterer's privacy by a private investigator during surveillance is still breaking the law. A miracle would be video of the two as they prance naked in front of an open window… and miracles happen, but don't bet on it. Private investigators are not granted special privileges that citizens do not have. They must obtain their evidence while obeying all of the laws. For example, investigators engaged in mobile surveillance must still obey traffic laws; investigators cannot trespass on the suspect's property in order to get good video. The difference is that private investigators have experience getting the evidence while obeying the laws.
While all investigators accept every piece of information available from the client, the investigator that focuses only on that information is liable to miss other important information. As with any profession, the customer, or client, is paying for expertise and knowledge. Let the investigator do his job as he see fit. If the client is too specific in the instructions they may loose out on opportunities, experience, instincts, and creativity.
How long should the investigations continue? How much evidence is enough? If you have an attorney, seek their opinion. The attorney is the one that will have to take the evidence to the judge. Do not depend on the investigator to tell you when enough evidence is gathered. In reality the Judge can only determine "enough".
At the conclusion of the investigation the client should receive a written report of the investigation, a copy of the surveillance video, and a detailed invoice showing where the money went, and any other documents or evidence obtained. The client should request the attorney to contact the private investigator to discuss the investigation rather than having to hear it second hand from the client. It usually best if the attorney takes possession of the physical if the client is still attempting to be discreet. If the attorney had any questions they can be asked of the investigator rather than the client.
The most common question is “How much does it cost?” The answer is, “It depends.” This may seem like a shady answer, but it's true. While there are many aspects of an infidelity investigation that are similar, every investigation is different. The cost is actually depends on uncontrollable aspects, such as, the subject, facts, timing, circumstances, experience, and, yes, even luck. Many clients will say, “This one should be easy.” Most of those turn out to be the more difficult cases. Instead, ask what the private investigator charges. Most investigators charge an hourly rate, plus mileage, plus expenses. The hourly rate can vary from investigator to investigator. Most investigators also require retainers. It has been the experience of this agency most infidelity investigations run between $1,500.00 and $2,500.00. There have been cases that have been completed (with great evidence) for under $1,150.00, and some cases have been in excess of $3,000.00. The client can control the amount spent without consistent “supervision” by effective use of the retainer amount. Be very weary about low retainers.