A child custody investigation is an objective observation of a child’s well-being and treatment, usually as part of a divorce, separation, or custody case. The conclusion of the investigation is then reported to the court and used in custody evaluations. When going through a divorce, a child custody investigation will provide reliable evidence without the bias.

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What happens during a child custody investigation?

Depending on the specific case, a child custody investigator will use surveillance to determine how a parent or guardian treats their child. Investigators will legally document any abuse or neglect they witness in photos, videos, and audio recordings. They will also question potential witnesses, like family members, and conduct background checks on custodial parties. When investigating a parent, an investigator looks for things like alcohol abuse, criminal activity, reckless driving, gambling, drug abuse, and any other activities that negatively affect the child. They will also ensure that the parent is providing a safe, clean living space, healthy food, emotional support, and other necessities for their child. These investigators are trained to see the safety of the child as a priority. Sometimes, investigations are even conducted without the knowledge of the child in order to cause them less stress. If the results are problematic, an investigator will not only turn in a report, but also testify in court.

 

Do I need a child custody investigator?

Though separations are never easy, child custody investigations aren’t always necessary, but you need an investigation if:

• You believe your spouse is unfit to care for your child for any reason, a private investigator can potentially prove your allegations with objective, legal evidence. In a divorce case, where tensions are high and accusations are made, hard evidence may be necessary to protect a child from an unhealthy environment. Ultimately, an investigator will work with you to keep your child away from an abusive situation.

• If you are unsure if your spouse is fit to care for your child, an investigator can legally look into their background, habits, and parenting style in order to prove or disprove their ability to meet your child’s needs. Reliable evidence will not only stand up in court, but will provide you the comfort of knowing your child is safe.