Does Hiring a Private Investigator Still Help in a No-Fault Divorce in the UK?

May 7, 2022 - Reading time: 5 minutes
Updated on: April 6, 2025

No one gets married expecting to divorce, yet sadly, sometimes relationships break down irretrievably. In England and Wales, divorces are now typically filed under a 'no-fault' system—meaning you no longer have to prove infidelity or wrongdoing to legally end your marriage.

So, with no-fault divorce in place since April 2022, does it still make sense to hire a private investigator during divorce proceedings?

Is Evidence of Infidelity Still Relevant?

Under the new no-fault divorce laws, proving adultery or other misconduct no longer affects your right to a divorce. This means that collecting evidence of an affair or wrongdoing won’t influence the granting of the divorce itself, nor will it generally impact how financial settlements or custody arrangements are decided.

UK courts today are concerned primarily with fair asset division and the welfare of children—not personal morality or infidelity.

When Can a Private Investigator Actually Help in Divorce Cases?

Although proof of an affair won't directly influence divorce outcomes, there are still several important ways in which a private investigator's findings can be beneficial:

• Evidence of Cohabitation: If your ex-spouse is claiming spousal maintenance but is living with a new partner, surveillance can confirm this new living arrangement. This information can lead to a reduction or even termination of maintenance payments.
• Finding Hidden Assets: Unfortunately, some spouses attempt to hide assets during divorce proceedings to avoid fair financial settlements. A private investigator can uncover undisclosed bank accounts, property holdings, offshore funds, and hidden income streams.
• Verifying Financial Claims: If your ex-partner is claiming financial hardship or unemployment, investigators can gather evidence showing otherwise—perhaps confirming employment or lifestyle inconsistencies. Such proof can be vital in achieving a fair financial settlement.
• Child Welfare Concerns: If you have genuine concerns about your child’s safety or welfare with your former partner, private investigators can help document any harmful or negligent behaviour that could influence custody arrangements.

Using GPS Tracking During Divorce Investigations

GPS tracking devices are sometimes used legally by investigators—particularly if placed on jointly owned vehicles—to gather data on movements and lifestyle patterns. This information can support claims about cohabitation, undisclosed addresses, or hidden routines that might indicate financial deceit or potential risks to children.

For more information on our GPS tracking services, visit our GPS tracking page.

What if Your Ex-Spouse Has Hired an Investigator?

If you suspect your ex-partner has hired an investigator to monitor you, we offer professional counter-surveillance and bug-sweeping services. These services detect any tracking devices, hidden cameras, or other surveillance tools used against you. Counter-surveillance evidence can also support your case if your ex is acting maliciously or unethically during the divorce.

For more details, see our bug sweeping services.

How Much Surveillance or Investigation Is Needed?

Every case is unique, and the amount of surveillance or investigation needed will depend entirely on your situation. Some matters can be resolved swiftly with targeted evidence, while others require more in-depth investigation over weeks or months.

We provide tailored solutions based on your circumstances. Contacting us directly with details allows us to provide a realistic assessment of time, cost, and feasibility.

Is Hiring a Private Investigator Still Worthwhile?

While proving infidelity or wrongdoing alone no longer affects divorce outcomes directly, professional private investigators can still play a vital role in protecting your financial future and family welfare. By uncovering hidden assets, verifying cohabitation, or identifying potential risks to children, investigators provide actionable evidence that can significantly strengthen your position in negotiations or court proceedings.

If you believe that your divorce case might benefit from professional investigative support, contact Private Investigators UK today. We offer discreet, confidential, and fully lawful investigative services to help ensure you achieve the fairest possible settlement and secure peace of mind during your divorce.

For a no-obligation quote tailored to your specific needs, please get in touch.