Is it worth using a private investigator during divorce?
May 7, 2022 - Reading time: 8 minutes
None of us get married with the intention that we will get divorced later down the line, we all hope and expect that our marriages will last forever. Sadly, this is not always the case and many of us will end up dealing with potentially messy divorces.
It can be very difficult to obtain a ‘no-fault’ divorce in the UK unless you have been separated from your partner for two years. This means that there is typically a level of blame or fault which will be assigned during the divorce.
If you suspect that your partner is unfaithful during your marriage, or that your partner may be involved in illegal activities, then gathering evidence to substantiate those claims could prove to be highly beneficial to you during subsequent divorce proceedings.
Obtaining clear evidence of infidelity or nefarious behaviour can prove to be very difficult in many cases, especially if the subject is mindful of their wrongdoings and takes steps to conceal their activities. In many cases a skilled private investigator can provide the key when it comes to unlocking a divorce case by gathering conclusive evidence of wrongdoing.
Whether or not it is worthwhile to hire a private investigator during your divorce will ultimately depend on the circumstances and evidence that is able to be gathered over the course of your investigation. During most surveillance cases it is very difficult to predict the evidence that will be gathered or how much time might be needed, as there are many different variables involved in each respective case.
If you have suspicions about your partner then hiring an investigator to check and gather proof may end up being a wise decision. In many cases investigators are able to save their clients significant sums of money during divorces.
Obtaining evidence for divorce settlements
Private investigators typically gather evidence of infidelity using personal surveillance. ‘Personal surveillance’ means to watch an individual, follow them, and to gather evidence of their activities in the form of photos/video.
Evidence gathered would typically consist of the photos/videos themselves, usually accompanied by a detailed report which will outline the subject’s activities and movements observed by the investigator during surveillance.
The level of evidence needed in each case can vary depending on the needs and requirements of each client. If a subject is thought to be cohabitating as part of an adulterous relationship for example, then it may be necessary to gather evidence of their living arrangements over a prolonged period.
On the other hand, if a subject is observed showing clear romantic behaviour with an adulterous lover (such as holding hands or kissing) within a short time, then it may be possible to gather enough evidence within a shorter period and to then close the case.
Often is the case that the mere notion of a private investigator’s involvement may prove to increase amiability during discussions about divorce. With that said, it’s important to note that once you have exposed the involvement of a private investigator to your ex-partner, that our cover would then be blown and further surveillance of them may prove to be more difficult and less fruitful.
If you are planning to hire a private investigator in order to catch your partner out then do not tell them or threaten to hire an investigator! If a person is aware that an investigator may become involved then they may alter their behaviour which could possibly make our job more difficult.
How much surveillance is needed in order to prove wrongdoing?
This is a tricky question. During surveillance everything depends on the subject’s lifestyle, movements, and the opportunities for them to be photographed in a compromising position. All of these factors vary from case to case, depending on who we are tasked with observing.
Some cases can be closed after just one day or a few hours of surveillance... Other cases can take longer and in some cases our clients desire to collect an overwhelming amount of evidence can stretch the case out over several weeks or months.
It is usually our clients themselves who will be the best people to predict the total amount of surveillance time needed, as they have the most knowledge about their partner’s movements and any opportunities for an investigator to collect evidence.
Using GPS trackers during divorce investigations
It is common practice for private investigators to use GPS tracking devices during divorce or infidelity investigations, and if you are currently going through a divorce with a belligerent or ‘controlling’ ex-partner then you should be especially wary about the potential for them to use such devices.
GPS trackers are typically affixed to the underside of the subject’s vehicle. The whereabouts and movements of that vehicle can then be monitored 24 hours a day using an online control panel.
Trackers can allow investigators to map out a subject’s movements over several days or weeks, which allows us to deploy surveillance operatives at key times and locations when the subject is most likely to be photographed committing acts of infidelity.
Has your spouse hired a private investigator to follow you?
If you suspect that your spouse might have hired a private investigator to keep an eye on you, then you may find hiring your own investigator to be beneficial.
We can help to conduct ‘counter-surveillance’, which would involve checking to see if a client is being surveilled.
If a client is found to be subject to ongoing surveillance, we would then use our experience to help advise them on the most effective methods to hamper surveillance, and to cause their ex-partner to encounter as much cost as possible.
If a private investigator is following you, then hiring another investigator to conduct counter-surveillance will allow you to gather evidence that you are being monitored.
If your ex-partner has taken the step to hire a private investigator, then you should be aware of them using bugging devices. We can also help to search for bugs (such as trackers or hidden camera/microphones) which may have been left by an ex-partner or their agents, as part of our bug sweeping service.
Using a private investigator to locate hidden assets during divorce
Another area where private investigators are able to help during divorce cases is to locate hidden assets. If you suspect that your former partner could be concealing their assets then an investigator may be able to help locate them, using a variety of different techniques.
If your partner has indeed taken steps to conceal assets and their true net worth, then hiring an investigator to check the facts can often prove to be a worthwhile and cost-effective endeavour. Asset searches can range from placing the subject under surveillance, to credit reports, shareholding checks, directorship checks, vehicle checks, et al., with much depending on the circumstances in each case.
If significant assets are being concealed or hidden, then instructing an investigator to shed light on the situation may be a worthwhile endeavour.
How much does it cost to hire a private investigator?
Fees associated with private investigations can depend on the location, circumstances, and length of the case. We offer free, no obligation quotes for all work. Feel free to get in touch with us for a quote, remember to include the post code and any relevant details.
What powers do UK private investigators have?
May 2, 2022 - Reading time: 7 minutes
As a leading detective agency based in the UK, we often find that members of the public seem to lack understanding about the services that are provided by private investigators, and how exactly we are able to help our clients.
Private investigators are often fictionalized in popular films and television dramas, which adds to an enigmatic perception of our industry by some. It may not be until an individual is in a position where they could benefit from hiring an investigator that they begin to learn more about the services that are provided by private investigators in the UK, and exactly what we are and are not able to do for them.
With that in mind, we have put together the following article which answers some of the most common questions and misconceptions surrounding the private investigation industry.
Can private investigators arrest people?
No, private investigators cannot arrest people. Private investigators hold no more power than regular members of the public and are not impowered to make arrests.
Do private investigators carry badges?
Private investigators often carry badges or ID cards issued by their company which can be used to identify them and their credentials.
At the time of writing this article it is not required for private investigators in the UK to carry badges or ID, however in countries which enforce licensing systems it may be required for investigators to carry some form of identity document whilst they are working.
Can private investigators hack social media accounts?
Private investigators must operate within the law at all times and cannot hack into websites, social media accounts, emails, or any other private data, on behalf of their clients.
Private investigators may however use publicly available data from social media and other sources in order to locate subjects and to gather information about their lives. Investigators have also been known to setup ‘dummy’ social media accounts which can be used to befriend subjects and to gather information from their profiles or to contact them directly.
Can private investigators follow people?
Absolutely, private investigators can follow people for a wide range of different reasons.
Private investigators follow people in the UK on a daily basis, from infidelity cases where a client suspects that their partner could be cheating on them, to personal injury claims where an investigator might be hired in order to check the truthfulness and accuracy of claims, or to find hidden assets during a divorce, and in many other different cases.
Surveillance can be conducted on behalf of private individuals/companies or lawyers that need to gather evidence which could help them to win a case. Surveillance is also commonly used to resolve personal issues such as catching cheating partners during infidelity cases.
Surveillance can even be used in order to resolve issues such as fly tipping or workplace theft.
Can private investigators gather evidence?
Yes. One of the most useful functions of a private investigator is to act as an impartial third party and to gather evidence. Whether that evidence is subsequently used by a private client in order to make life or business decisions, or used in order to secure a favourable result during a court case.
Whether evidence is being gathered for personal reasons or official reasons, private investigators are often able to save their clients far more than they charge in professional fees, not to mention the priceless satisfaction that can result from achieving a desirable result.
Can private investigators install GPS trackers on cars?
Yes, private investigators are able to install GPS trackers onto vehicles in the UK. Trackers are extremely useful as they allow vehicles to be monitored 24 hours per day without an investigator actively following it for the duration of that time.
GPS trackers are often used in order to track subjects during surveillance cases and to begin surveillance at key moments when the subject is likely to be caught in compromising positions. Data which is gathered by trackers, such as the current and previous locations of the device, can typically be accessed by both the client and investigator through an online control panel.
Can private investigators install bugs inside homes/cars/workplaces?
Investigators around the world are known to use all manner of different gadgets in order to gather information by planting ‘bugs’ inside buildings or vehicles.
When it comes to installing bugs such as GPS trackers, hidden microphones, or hidden cameras, much depends on the circumstances in each case and why exactly the client would like to deploy such equipment.
While investigators are usually mindful of making sure that bugs are being used properly, that is not to say that everyone with access to such equipment is acting with the same level of ethics. Hidden recording devices are available for anyone to purchase, and searching for bugs is another key service which is offered by us…
Can private investigators find hidden bugs inside my home/car/workplace?
Yes. We offer a debugging service whereby an experienced agent will use specialist equipment to search for any hidden bugs, such as hidden cameras, microphones, or tracking devices.
Debugging may be required in a number of different cases… Whether an ex-partner has hidden a recording device inside a property they once occupied with a spouse, or a business rival has planted a microphone inside the board room of a rival’s firm.
The potential harm which could result from the inappropriate use of these devices is obvious, and many of our clients find it easy to justify hiring an investigator to perform a debugging sweep of their property.
Can private investigators serve documents on people?
Yes. Many private investigators also offer process serving, during which they will serve documents on individuals or companies.
There are many different cases where you might need an investigator to serve documents for you; whether you need us to serve divorce paperwork, orders to attend court, writs, family papers, non-molestation orders, statutory demands, winding-up petitions or bankruptcy petitions, an investigator will be able to help and ensure that your documents are served quickly and cost effectively.
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Do private investigators work for authorities in the UK?
April 27, 2022 - Reading time: 8 minutes
As the name suggests, private investigators typically work for private individuals and businesses in the private sector. Private investigators are often called on to investigate infidelity, perform business due diligence, find missing people, serve documents, and in many other cases.
While private investigators are typically instructed by private individuals or firms, they have also been known to provide services for government bodies and entities such as local councils.
Because the private investigation industry is so large, and encompasses many different specialized skills, there have been many documented cases around the world where private investigators have provided assistance to police and government entities alike.
Do private investigators work with councils in the UK?
The short answer is “yes”. There are many different circumstances where local councils in the UK rely on private investigators to provide assistance, we will outline some of the most common cases below.
- Investigating benefit fraud
While many councils have inhouse investigators who deal with investigating benefit fraud, there are times when they might require specialised help, or just another set of hands. In some case private investigators are called on to help.
In straightforward cases which concern benefit fraud it may be necessary for a private investigator to conduct inquiries or surveillance in order to gather evidence which can be presented to the council for them to consider.
Cases which involve allegations of cohabitation, where a person claims to be living alone in order to receive single person discounts or help with their rent, may also be investigated using surveillance.
- Process serving
When councils need to serve documents on individuals or companies, it is often a cost-effective solution for them to outsource the task to a private investigator.
Many private investigators provide process serving, and cases can be referred directly by councils themselves or their solicitors. Many process serving cases also require an element of tracing in order to first locate the subject's current address.
- Investigating license breaches
Private investigators can help councils by checking that the terms of alcohol or tobacco licenses are being actively complied with… Cases which involve selling to the underage, selling out of hours, or even selling without a license altogether, can all be investigated by private investigators.
In cases which involve the investigation of license breaches, private investigators typically act as impartial third parties whilst gathering evidence.
- Fly tipping investigations
Fly tipping creates an unnecessary blight on our countryside, and with local authorities often tasked with clearing up the mess left behind by fly tippers, there is a clear motivation for them to catch and prosecute those responsible.
Private investigators can help by staking out areas which are prone to fly tipping during surveillance, or in some cases they might be aided by high-tech equipment such as unmanned camera gear or drones.
Evidence gathered by private investigators can be used to further investigate acts of fly tipping and to hold those responsible to account, thereby reducing the costly clean-up bills which are caused as a result of fly tippers.
- Personal injury claims
Private investigators are commonly used during personal injury claims in the UK, for a wide range of different reasons. One of the most useful functions of a private investigator during personal injury claims is to verify the legitimacy and truthfulness of claims surrounding injuries or illnesses.
If a subject claims to have trouble walking unaided, but is subsequently filmed by a private investigator playing football for example, then they may find their claims difficult to substantiate.
Claims which are made against councils are effectively made against the public purse, and private investigators play a key role in verifying claims in order to make sure that they are accurate and truthful.
- Background checks
While councils typically have human resources departments whom are responsible for vetting new hirees, private investigators can help to take background checks a step further. We can use a multitude of tools, resources, and knowledge to determine an individual's background and suitability for employment.
Private investigators can compile comprehensive background check reports which may include elements such as criminal (court appearance) checks, reputational checks, social media checks, reputation checks, and more.
- Internal staffing issues
Private investigators can also provide assistance when it comes to internal staffing issues, such as fraudulent sick leave, injury claims, internal thefts, moonlighting, and corruption.
We believe that independent third parties can bring tremendous value when it comes to dealing with internal staffing issues and dealing with problems in a way which is both impartial and fair.
By gathering the facts and presenting them in concise reports, investigators can help councils to understand and solve their staffing issues, and to compile evidence which justifies the dismissal of problem employees where necessary.
Do private investigators work for solicitors in the UK?
Yes. Solicitors often use private investigators to gather evidence which can be used by them in court to help win cases. Solicitors can also delegate tasks to private investigators such as process serving, tracing debtors, or other specialized services.
Such is the importance of private investigators to solicitors in the UK, that lawyer Kate McMahon went on record as saying that her law firm “uses private investigators for almost every case”. In an interview with the BBC [source], Ms McMahon described the importance of legally acquiring evidence through the instruction of capable private investigators.
Do private investigators work for police in the UK?
While private investigators often work for solicitors to gather evidence which might aid their cases, instances where private investigators are employed by police forces in the UK are less common.
However, this is not to say that the practice doesn’t happen altogether. In 2017 it was reported that Thames Valley Police, who were spurred on by budget cuts, had begun to recruit private investigators for straightforward tasks such as witness taking and interviewing subjects [source].
Private investigators and police investigators have a somewhat interchangeable skillset, and with many private investigators coming from former careers in law enforcement, it makes sense that a police force in the UK might look to delegate straightforward tasks to qualified private investigators.
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How Private Investigators Catch Cheating Partners
April 23, 2022 - Reading time: 7 minutes
As a leading private detective agency based in the UK, we handle a wide range of different cases from private and corporate clients, such as surveillance, background checks, process serving, and many other services. However, cheating partner investigations remain one of our most popular services.
There is nothing worse than suspecting your partner of cheating on you, and for many people who suspect their partner of committing infidelity, a private investigator will be able to find answers to their questions and to gather proof in the process.
Though much can depend on the circumstances in each case, in this article we will explore some of the most common methods used by private investigators to catch cheating partners.
1. Personal surveillance
More often than not, when private investigators are asked to catch a cheating partner, we will use an element of “personal surveillance”. During personal surveillance an investigator will monitor the subject whilst taking photos/video as evidence of their activities.
Surveillance can be either static or mobile. During static surveillance the investigator will find a suitable location to monitor a property or subject while remaining static and not moving.
During mobile surveillance on the other hand, the investigator will actively follow the subject in order to check and record their movements. Mobile surveillance can be conducted using specially adapted vehicles, motorcycles, or even on foot or using public transport, depending on the location and circumstances in each case. We ask that all clients advise us of the subject's most likely mode of transportation, and any locations which they may visit, at the time of booking surveillance; this information will allow us to plan and select the best agent for the job.
The goal for any investigator during surveillance is to be discreet and remain unseen by the subject of the investigation or any onlookers. A competent investigator will usually terminate surveillance if they feel that the subject might be suspicious of them or if they begin to draw unwanted attention.
Many detective agencies offer surveillance using one field agent as a starting point, others may only provide multiple agents depending on their client’s budget and the circumstances of the case.
During surveillance it is almost always beneficial to have multiple agents working on the case at any one time. If we think about how police surveillance operations are depicted in films or television, they typically use a team consisting of several units who will each be assigned different roles within the case... In order to remain discreet, a team member will follow a subject or subject vehicle until a certain point when another agent will take over for a suitable time before being replaced with another agent, and so on.
Suffice it to say that surveillance cases which are conducted by private investigators are often constrained by smaller budgets.
In many cases single agents are able to collect desirable evidence, however much depends on the unique circumstances in each case, and the environment that we are working in.
2. Using GPS trackers
GPS tracking devices are often used by private investigators in order to track vehicles and subjects during infidelity investigations.
GPS trackers can be used to compliment surveillance cases, and ultimately to save money by starting surveillance at specific times where the subject is most likely to be caught in a compromising situation.
Although trackers are typically used in order to compliment surveillance, they can also be used as a standalone service in order to check that a spouse is being faithful. Read our blog post about GPS tracking devices or get in touch with us and request a free quote.
3. During honeypot investigations
Whereas surveillance simply involves watching a subject and following them around, during honeypot investigations the agent will take more of a proactive role in the case and act as a decoy… ‘Honeypot’ investigations would typically involve an agent speaking to the subject and propositioning them directly.
The type of decoy used (whether they are male, female, and their age) will vary depending on the subject in each case. Female private investigators are often used in such cases.
When performed correctly, honeypot investigations can provide a cost-effective solution to testing the faithfulness of your partner, and provide clear answers about their behaviour.
Honeypot investigations may involve:
- Approaching the subject during a night out, at a pub, bar, or nightclub
- Making contact with the subject through social media in order to test their response
- Approaching the subject during a holiday abroad
Honeypot investigations should always take place with consideration for the environment, the subject, and the subject’s tastes.
Should you use a private investigator to catch a cheating partner?
Of course, the answer to this question varies from person to person… Can you live with the suspicion that your partner might be cheating on you? Many of our clients suffer from feelings of doubt and would rather find out for sure one way or the other.
Being involved in a relationship with a partner that is disloyal can often cause untold emotions of hurt and turmoil, which may cause problems during further romances - hiring a private investigator allows our clients to effectively tip the balance back into their favour, to find out the truth and to proceed accordingly. All investigations conducted by us are done so with total confidentiality and discretion.
How much does it cost for a private investigator to catch a cheating partner?
Professional fees charged by private investigators can vary greatly depending on your jurisdiction and area. In surveillance cases it can be very difficult to predict the total amount of hours or days of surveillance that might be needed in order to gather evidence that you are happy with. And the cost will depend on the hourly/day rate that you pay an investigator.
For investigations in the UK, we have written a blog post “How much does it cost to catch a cheating partner?” which delves deeper into this subject, although surveillance fees can vary from case to case.
Signs that your partner is cheating on you
If you suspect that your partner might be cheating on you, then there are some very subtle signs which you can look which might indicate their true feelings.
For more information on this subject please read through our blog post entitled 10 surprising red flags that your partner is cheating on you.
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