Does Hiring a Private Investigator Still Help in a No-Fault Divorce in the UK?
May 7, 2022 - Reading time: 8 minutes
Updated on: September 4, 2025
Trust is the backbone of a healthy relationship. Once it is broken, it can be hard to repair and may affect future relationships too. One of the most common ways trust is broken is when a partner cheats. Whether it is a one-off or a longer affair, the impact is often the same: a severe breakdown of trust and, for many couples, the end of the relationship.
When people are caught, they rarely tell the full truth at first. They minimise, deflect, or blame. Below are the 10 most common excuses for cheating that we hear during infidelity investigations across the UK, with plain-English explanations of why they do not hold up.
How common is cheating
Over one-fifth of married men admit to being unfaithful, and women are not immune either. Definitions vary: many couples never agree what counts as cheating. For example, a partner might think messaging on dating apps is harmless, but surveys show a notable share of users are in relationships while using those platforms. The lack of a shared definition often fuels both secrecy and excuses.
At PrivateInvestigators-UK we hear every justification under the sun. Here are the ten we see most often.
The 10 most common excuses for cheating
1) “Cheating is normal. Humans aren’t meant to be monogamous.”
This is an attempt to make infidelity sound inevitable. Whatever someone believes about monogamy, the point is simple: they made a promise. Breaking it is a choice, not fate.
2) “I didn’t love them. It was just about the sex.”
Minimising is common. Emotional detachment does not erase secrecy, lies, or risk. The trust was broken the moment they went behind your back.
3) “It wasn’t my fault. I was seduced.”
Shifting blame to the other person is classic deflection. Consent and follow-through were still choices. Accountability sits with the partner who cheated.
4) “You cheated before, so I did the same.”
Revenge is not repair. If past betrayal was not processed and resolved, the relationship was on shaky ground already. Retaliation only confirms that trust has gone.
5) “I was lonely and you weren’t there for me.”
Another deflection that frames cheating as a response to unmet needs. Adults raise problems, seek support, or end the relationship. They do not lie and cheat.
6) “It didn’t mean anything. It was only once.”
“Only once” is still a breach. Many people say this to reduce consequences. Later, it often turns out there was more than one incident.
7) “It’s your fault.”
This is pure blame-shifting. Common phrases include “you drove me to it”, “you’ve changed”, or “you never listen”. Relationships take two, but cheating is a solo decision.
8) “I was only trying to help them and it just happened.”
Affairs often grow from secrecy around “friendship” or “support”. If a partner hides who they are meeting and what is discussed, the helping hand line is not convincing.
9) “I was bored and needed excitement.”
People who crave novelty can find it in hobbies, travel, or career goals. Choosing an affair for thrills is self-serving and reckless.
10) “Nothing happened. It’s all in your head.”
This is gaslighting. Denying in the face of evidence, calling you paranoid, or flipping the script to make you doubt yourself are forms of emotional abuse. Trust your notes and your instincts.
How to gather evidence that your partner is cheating
If you are concerned but lack proof, be careful about confrontations that could backfire. Keep a calm record of dates, times, messages, travel, and expenses that do not add up. Consider professional help if you want clear answers without conflict.
At PrivateInvestigators-UK our experienced team can discreetly check your partner’s movements using lawful methods such as surveillance and timeline analysis. We work across the UK and abroad, and provide clear reports so you can decide what comes next.
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FAQ
What is gaslighting in the context of cheating
Making you question your memory or sanity, denying obvious facts, or calling you paranoid to dodge accountability. It is a form of emotional abuse.
Can private investigators legally gather proof of infidelity in the UK
Yes. When carried out lawfully and proportionately, surveillance and photographic or video evidence can be used to support proceedings such as divorce or child arrangements.
Should I confront my partner without evidence
Not usually. It can push behaviour further underground. Keep records, look for consistent patterns, and consider discreet professional help first.
What Powers Do UK Private Investigators Have?
May 2, 2022 - Reading time: 9 minutes
Updated on: September 4, 2025
As one of the UK's leading detective agencies, we regularly encounter misconceptions about the powers and services of private investigators. TV shows and films often portray our work dramatically, which leads to public misunderstandings about what we can actually do under UK law.
This article clears up the myths and explains what private investigators in the UK can – and cannot – do.
Can private investigators arrest people?
No. UK private investigators have no special powers of arrest. Our rights and responsibilities are the same as any member of the public.
Do private investigators carry badges?
Some investigators carry ID cards or company-issued badges to confirm their role. This is not legally required, but reputable agencies provide proof of identity when asked.
Can private investigators hack into social media accounts?
No. Hacking into private accounts, emails, or phones is illegal. What we can do is OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence): investigating using information already in the public domain. This might include checking dating profiles, finding secondary social media accounts, or linking public data leaks with names and emails.
Can private investigators follow people?
Yes, surveillance is legal provided it does not become harassment or trespass. It is often used for:
- Suspected infidelity
- Personal injury claim verification
- Hidden asset checks in divorce
- Corporate investigations like workplace theft or fly tipping
Can private investigators gather evidence?
Yes. Evidence gathering is a core service. Properly collected photographs, logs, and witness statements can be vital in court or private disputes. Investigations are carried out impartially and documented to professional standards.
Can private investigators install GPS trackers?
Yes, usually where the client owns or jointly owns the vehicle. GPS trackers provide live data so investigators know when and where to focus surveillance. This reduces costs and captures stronger evidence. Learn more about GPS trackers here.
Can private investigators install or detect bugs?
This is a sensitive area. In some cases it may be lawful to install hidden microphones or cameras - but only after a careful case review. Every situation must undergo what’s known as a Legitimate Interest Assessment (LIA) before any such device is considered. This ensures the deployment is proportionate, justified, and compliant with UK privacy laws.
For more detailed guidance, see our article: Are Hidden Listening Devices Legal in the UK?
Separately, we also offer bug sweeping services to detect and remove any unauthorised hidden devices. These sweeps use specialist equipment to identify cameras, microphones, and trackers in homes, cars, or workplaces.
Can private investigators serve legal documents?
Yes. Process serving is a standard PI service. Documents include:
- Divorce papers
- Court summons
- Non-molestation orders
- Statutory demands and bankruptcy petitions
Private investigators ensure documents are served correctly and provide Statements of Service for court.
Can private investigators access criminal records?
No. Investigators cannot access police or government databases. Criminal records are confidential. What we can do is research open-source information like court listings, news reports, and public registers. Combined with OSINT, this builds a clear profile without breaking the law.
Contact PrivateInvestigators-UK
If you need surveillance, GPS tracking, process serving, bug sweeps, or OSINT background checks, our team can help. Visit our homepage or get in touch for a confidential consultation.
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Do Private Investigators Work for Authorities in the UK?
April 27, 2022 - Reading time: 10 minutes
Updated on: September 4, 2025
As the name suggests, private investigators primarily work for private individuals and businesses. Typical instructions include infidelity investigations, due diligence, tracing people, background checks, process serving, and surveillance. That said, the UK public sector sometimes instructs reputable agencies when specialist resource or speed is needed.
Because investigation is a broad field, there are many occasions where experienced PIs support public bodies and provide evidence that stands up to scrutiny, provided everything is done lawfully and proportionately.
Do private investigators work with councils in the UK?
Yes. Local authorities may instruct private investigators directly or via their solicitors in a range of scenarios:
Investigating benefit fraud and unlawful cohabitation
Where single-person discounts, council tax support, or housing benefit are suspected of being claimed unlawfully, councils sometimes commission cohabitation surveillance or lifestyle checks to support a decision. Lawful, time-stamped observations over multiple dates can help show a pattern rather than a one-off visit.
Process serving
Councils often outsource service of documents for cost and speed. Private investigators act as process servers and provide a court-ready Statement/Affidavit of Service. Many matters start with tracing to confirm a current address.
Licensing compliance checks
Test purchases and compliance visits help verify alcohol and tobacco licence conditions. PIs can evidence sales to under-18s, out-of-hours sales, or trading without a licence, acting as impartial third parties.
Fly-tipping investigations
Private investigators can carry out surveillance at hot spots and deploy unmanned camera equipment where lawful. Evidence helps identify vehicles, timings, and repeat offenders so the council can take action and reduce clean-up costs.
Personal injury and insurance claims
For claims made against councils, investigators may verify the consistency of reported injuries. If a claimant alleging mobility issues is recorded undertaking strenuous activity, the council’s legal team can use that footage to assess the case.
Background checks and internal matters
Where enhanced vetting is prudent, PIs can add OSINT-led reputation checks, open-source court appearance searches, and social media reviews to standard HR screening. They can also examine fraudulent sick leave, theft, moonlighting, and conflicts of interest in a fair, documented manner.
Do private investigators work for solicitors in the UK
Yes. Solicitors frequently use private investigators to gather evidence for civil, family, and commercial cases. Typical instructions include surveillance, witness enquiries, process serving, tracing debtors, asset checks, and background investigations. As lawyer Kate McMahon noted in a BBC piece, some firms “use private investigators for almost every case” (source).
Do private investigators work for police in the UK
Direct employment by police is less common, but collaboration exists. Some forces have trialled hiring civilians and PIs for lower-risk tasks like witness statements and interviews. For example, reports in 2017 suggested Thames Valley Police recruited PIs for certain duties during budget pressure (source). Many PIs are ex-law enforcement, so skills can overlap.
Typical services a UK PI can provide to public bodies
- Surveillance and observations with time/date-stamped footage and logs
- Process serving with Statements/Affidavits of Service
- Tracing and people-finding using lawful OSINT and enquiries
- Background and reputation checks including open-source court listings
- Test purchases and licensing compliance checks
- Evidence packs suitable for council hearings or court
Compliance, proportionality, and standards
Good investigation work is lawful, necessary, and proportionate. That means clear instructions, minimal intrusion, and strong evidence handling. Although the UK has no central licensing regime for PIs, reputable firms operate under data protection law and follow recognised codes of practice. Councils and solicitors should expect:
- Clear scope, risk assessment, and lawful basis
- Minimal collection focused on the objective
- Secure handling and retention of evidence
- Concise, court-ready reporting
Speak to Private Investigators UK
If you represent a council, solicitor, or public body and need surveillance, process serving, tracing, or background checks, we can help. We operate nationwide and handle instructions quickly and discreetly. Contact our team for a no-pressure quote.
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How Private Investigators Catch Cheating Partners
April 23, 2022 - Reading time: 12 minutes
Updated on: September 3, 2025
As one of the UK's leading private detective agencies, we provide surveillance, background checks, process serving, and OSINT investigations. Infidelity investigations are among the most requested. If uncertainty is affecting your wellbeing, a professional investigator can help you get clear answers and usable evidence.
Quick Navigation
In this guide, we outline the most effective methods private investigators use to uncover infidelity and how they fit together in a discreet, lawful plan.
1. Personal Surveillance
Surveillance is the backbone of most cheating partner cases. Operatives discreetly observe a subject and gather time stamped photos and video of movements and meetings.
- Static surveillance at a property or venue from a fixed position.
- Mobile surveillance following the subject by vehicle, on foot, or via public transport.
Mobile work is far more effective with two or more operatives, especially in busy areas or when subjects use multiple transport modes. That said, a skilled single agent can still achieve strong results with tight planning and realistic objectives.
2. GPS Tracking Devices
GPS trackers can pinpoint where a vehicle goes and when, which helps schedule surveillance at the most likely times and places. This often reduces overall hours and cost. Trackers may also be used alone to verify a partner's claimed schedule.
Read more about the legalities here: GPS tracking in the UK, or contact us for a free consultation.
3. Honeypot Investigations
Honeypot investigations use a trained decoy to test fidelity in a controlled, recorded interaction. Scenarios are tailored to the subject and can occur in bars, gyms, hotels, or online.
- Careful selection of decoy profile aligned to known preferences.
- Clear limits and consent from the client on what is attempted.
- Evidence captured as screenshots, chat logs, and video where lawful.
Honeypots can confirm a pattern quickly, but they should sit alongside surveillance or OSINT to form a fair and balanced picture.
4. OSINT Investigations (Open Source Intelligence)
OSINT examines a person's online footprint to uncover risk signals that point to infidelity or secret lifestyles.
- Profiles on dating sites and apps, including accounts under variations of name.
- Alternate social media identities and hidden friend lists.
- Public photos, venue check ins, and patterns that conflict with stated schedules.
OSINT is discreet and cost effective and often guides where and when to deploy surveillance.
Should You Hire a Private Investigator?
It depends on your needs. Many clients find that verified facts reduce anxiety and help them decide whether to repair or end the relationship. Our investigators work confidentially and with sensitivity. If the goal is legal action later, we also ensure evidence is preserved and documented properly.
How Much Does It Cost?
Costs vary by location, complexity, available intelligence, and the number of operatives required. A focused plan that uses GPS or OSINT to target the best windows often lowers the hours needed on the ground.
See our detailed guide: How much does it cost to catch a cheating partner?
Signs That Your Partner Might Be Cheating
Watch for clusters of behaviour, not single incidents. Sudden schedule changes, secrecy around devices, unexplained spending, and distancing can indicate a problem. For a fuller list, see 10 Surprising Red Flags Your Partner is Cheating on You.
Legal Notes in the UK
- We only use lawful, proportionate methods. No hacking, no pretexting banks, no access to private records without authority.
- Surveillance is conducted in public places or with permission where required.
- If you anticipate court, ask for an evidence pack with statements, exhibits, and chain of custody.
Our UK based team can plan a discreet infidelity investigation using targeted surveillance, GPS intelligence, and OSINT. We also offer process serving if your case escalates to legal action. Request a free, no obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an infidelity investigation take?
Simple cases can be resolved quickly if there are clear patterns to target. Complex cases or those involving trips away can take longer and may need multiple surveillance windows.
Will my partner find out?
Professional work is covert. If no action follows, the subject will not usually know an investigation took place.
Do photos and video hold up in court?
Yes when gathered lawfully and presented correctly. Ask for an evidence bundle if you intend to use the findings in legal proceedings.
Is GPS tracking legal?
It depends on ownership, consent, and circumstances. See our guidance on GPS tracker legality in the UK and speak to us for case specific advice.
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