02 Oct Family Law Private Investigator

Family Law Private Investigator: How a Private Investigator Can Assist in a Family Law Case

Family law disputes can be stressful and complicated, particularly when there are unanswered questions about a former partner’s activities, relationships, finances or behaviour. In some circumstances, obtaining independent factual information may assist a client and their solicitor in understanding the situation.

A family law private investigator in Sydney can assist by conducting discreet investigations, surveillance and information gathering where there is a legitimate reason for doing so. With more than 30 years of experience as a licensed private investigator in Sydney, Lipstick Investigations understands the importance of conducting family law investigations professionally, discreetly and within the law.

How Can a Family Law Private Investigator Help?

Every family law matter is different. A private investigator may be engaged when a client has concerns about information provided by a former partner or needs independent evidence about particular circumstances.

A family law private investigator in Sydney may assist with matters involving surveillance of a former partner, suspected infidelity or a new relationship, concerns about children’s welfare, verification of a person’s activities or movements, locating a person, gathering photographic or video evidence, and investigating allegations made by either party.

The role of a private investigator is not to take sides in a family dispute. The investigator’s job is to establish and document facts through lawful investigative methods.

Surveillance in Family Law Matters

Surveillance is one of the most frequently requested services in family law investigations.

A client may have concerns that their former partner is behaving differently from what they have represented to them, their solicitor or other parties involved in the matter. They may suspect that the person is involved in a new relationship, spending time at another location or engaging in activities that are relevant to the dispute.

A private investigator in Sydney can conduct discreet surveillance and document what is observed. Depending on the circumstances, this may include photographs, video footage, dates, times, locations and written observations.

Professional surveillance is focused on recording what actually happens. An investigator should not make assumptions about the meaning of a person’s behaviour or attempt to influence the situation.

Investigating a New Relationship or Infidelity

Suspected infidelity is another common reason people contact a family law private investigator in Sydney.

Following a separation, one party may suspect that their former partner has commenced a new relationship. While suspicions may be strong, assumptions are not the same as independent evidence.

A private investigator can conduct surveillance to establish a person’s movements and associations. Where appropriate, photographs and video can provide a contemporaneous record of what was observed.

It is important to remember that seeing two people together does not automatically establish the nature of their relationship. An experienced investigator therefore reports observations objectively and allows the client and their legal representatives to determine their significance.

Family Law Investigations Involving Children

In some family law disputes, concerns may relate to the care and supervision of children.

A parent may have concerns about where their children are being taken, who is caring for them, whether agreed arrangements are being followed or other circumstances surrounding the children’s care.

Where an investigation is appropriate, a family law private investigator may conduct surveillance and document relevant observations. Investigations involving children require particular care and should always be conducted within the applicable legal and professional boundaries.

The investigator’s role is to document relevant facts rather than become involved in the dispute between the parents.

Establishing a Person’s Activities

There are circumstances where a person’s actual activities may be relevant to a family law matter.

For example, an individual may claim to be working particular hours, travelling for work or regularly staying at a particular address. If those claims are relevant to the matter, a Sydney private investigator may be able to investigate and independently document the person’s activities.

Surveillance can provide a record of movements, locations and activities during the period investigated. This information may then be provided to the client’s solicitor for assessment.

Locating a Former Partner or Other Person

A private investigator may also assist with locating a former partner, witness or another person who is relevant to a family law matter.

People can change addresses, telephone numbers or other contact details following a separation. An experienced investigator may be able to use lawful investigative methods and information sources to assist in locating a person.

Any investigation should be conducted in accordance with applicable laws relating to privacy and the collection and use of personal information.

Evidence for Your Family Lawyer

One of the most important aspects of a professional family law investigation is the way information is recorded and presented.

A family law private investigator in Sydney may provide a detailed written report supported by photographs, video footage, dates, times, locations and observations. Accurate documentation is essential when information may subsequently be considered by a solicitor or in legal proceedings.

A private investigator does not decide whether evidence is relevant to a particular legal argument. That is a matter for the client’s solicitor and, ultimately, the court. The investigator’s role is to provide an accurate and independent record of what was observed or established during the investigation.

Choosing a Family Law Private Investigator in Sydney

Choosing an experienced and appropriately licensed investigator is important when dealing with a sensitive family law matter.

Family law investigations can involve relationships, children, allegations and potentially significant legal consequences. An experienced family law private investigator in Sydney should understand the importance of discretion, accurate reporting and operating within the law.

With more than 30 years of experience as a licensed private investigator, Lipstick Investigations understands that no two family law investigations are the same. Before commencing an investigation, we discuss the client’s concerns, identify the information that may be relevant and develop an investigation strategy appropriate to the circumstances.

If you are involved in a family law dispute and believe an investigation may assist, it is advisable to discuss the matter with your family lawyer first. Your solicitor can help identify what information may be relevant to your case, while an experienced family law private investigator in Sydney can investigate those issues professionally, discreetly and lawfully.

If you require assistance with a family law investigation, Lipstick Investigations provides professional private investigation services throughout Sydney and NSW and south east Queensland.