Tips for Hiring an Infidelity Investigator

When hiring a private investigator to follow a spouse or significant other there are some things you can do to improve your chance of success.

Research and Choose an Investigator

• Research Local Private Investigators
• Browse Investigator Websites
• Interview Several Investigators
• Confirm the Investigator’s License

Do some research and identify private investigators in your area. Use major search engines like Google, Yahoo, or MSN. Narrow your search using a regional or city keyword. Assuming you are trying to find a private investigator to follow a spouse in Houston, Texas, type “licensed Houston infidelity investigator” without the quotes in Google. That should produce a list of investigators in Houston that work infidelity cases. Keep in mind that the Google links on the right side of the page are “sponsored links”, which are paid advertisements. Actual search engine results are on the left side of the page. You’ll find a broad range of private investigators. Many of the larger companies won’t take domestic cases because they consider them a nuisance. Some of the small one man shops do very good work and provide a more personalized service. Sometimes it's hard to tell much from a website, but if it is high quality, then that’s a good start. We can hope that the level of quality on the website, will be reflected in their investigative work. If the site is outdated or full of typos you may want to avoid it altogether.

Call several different investigators and talk to them. If the owner's name is on the website try to speak with that person. If the investigator you speak to seems disinterested or too busy to talk to you, cross them off your list. You should be wary of anyone who gives you a high pressure sales pitch and you should take as much time as you need to make your decision. The investigator should be patient in explaining their hourly rate, mileage charge, and the amount of the retainer they require. Investigator's rates can vary from $60 per hour to $125 per hour depending on their experience level, and their location. Investigators in California and New York tend to charge the highest rates. Once you find a private investigator you are comfortable with, you should confirm that they are licensed, if their state requires a license. Most states do require a private investigator to be licensed. Don’t be afraid to ask them to prove that they are licensed. Most licenses can be verified on the internet and an investigator should be willing to help you confirm this. Each state has its own licensing requirements and governing agency. In Texas it is http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/psb/company/company_search.aspx. Find the state site and go there and make sure the company is licensed.

The Investigation

• Confide Only in the Investigator
• Run Preliminary Leads
• Perform Surveillance
• Document Any Public Display of Affection
• Obtain Video or Photographs

Never tell anyone you are hiring an investigator. Not even your best friend because they could in fact be the paramour. You would be surprised how often this occurs. Never tell an in-law you are investigating your spouse, because blood truly is thicker than water. You can choose a confidante later. Most clients have little more than suspicions, and they need some proof. The private investigator should consult with you and discuss your suspicions and your spouse's behavior. They can then make a reasonable recommendation about how to proceed. There may be preliminary leads to run, such as running license plates, tracing phone numbers, and identifying suspects. Eventually almost all infidelity investigations require surveillance.

Surveillance is most commonly conducted during lunch, evenings, or weekends. Meetings rarely occur in the morning before business hours. The investigator will follow your spouse and obtain video of where your spouse goes, and who they meet. The investigator will document any public display of affection between your spouse and the other party. Most intimate couples will display affection, such as embracing or kissing. Many will take it a step further and rendezvous at a hotel, motel, or a residence. Frequently, inappropriate activity occurs in vehicles due to the restrictions imposed by the secretive nature of the relationship.

Dealing with the Results

• Prepare Yourself for the Worst
• Get Proper Emotional Support
• Get Proper Legal Counsel

Many clients hire an investigator expecting to buy peace of mind. They are then emotionally devastated if the investigation reveals infidelity. You must be prepared for the worst. Once the investigation is complete you may need a loved one or close friend to lean on. If you catch your spouse cheating, get on an even emotional keel, because you will be faced with some tough decisions. In most cases you should not immediately confront your spouse. You will likely be emotionally exhausted, and nothing good can come from an immediate confrontation. There may be additional investigative leads to wrap up, and confronting a spouse can compromise the investigation. Depending on whether you plan to try to save the marriage or separate; you will likely need to consult with an attorney, counselor, or clergy. If you choose to divorce, your attorney may advise you to keep the results of the investigation secret to enhance your legal position. Should you choose to divorce; the evidence of infidelity can play well to a judge and\or jury. Whatever your choice, you now know the truth and can start the process of dealing with the reality, and move forward with strength and confidence.

As an investigator with 27 years experience I have met many individuals concerned about the fidelity of a spouse or significant other. A competent private investigator should always try to handle infidelity cases with compassion and sensitivity. It's a difficult time for these clients and they often need advice, as well as investigative services. If you are reading this article, than you are probably facing such a difficult personal circumstance. By doing the proper research, by preparing yourself, and by getting the right counsel, you can successfully deal with infidelity and move forward with your life in a positive manner.