Are you preparing to go through a child custody dispute or considering a modification to an existing custody agreement? Are you being threatened with losing custody? If so, your attorney has likely made you aware that evidence produced through surveillance is frequently the key factor influencing a judge’s decisions.

Our Domestic Surveillance and Investigation Team knows precisely what evidence the courts are interested in seeing for child custody matters and how the evidence needs to be documented. We know this because we have spent thousands of hours testifying to the evidence we obtain in child custody investigations. We see the evidence that most influences a court’s decision. Equally important is evidence that was not documented correctly or improper presentation to the court. These can destroy the outcome of a case that would otherwise be a winner. Extensive child custody courtroom experience is critical.

Our child custody surveillance team will document violations of orders and agreements, child neglect, parental irresponsibility, improper relationships around children, unstable living situations, drug use, and children being left unattended or in hazardous situations. We supplement our surveillance work with rock-solid investigative research that includes extensive background investigations, civil and criminal histories, court transcripts from past cases, statements from relevant witnesses, and other records unique to each case. In the end, you will have a court-ready report package for your attorney to make sound recommendations and build a legal strategy. When called, our investigators will be there to provide testimony and introduce the evidence.

It is important to act quickly if you suspect a child is in a dangerous situation and while crucial evidence can be documented.

Getting Started

We start each inquiry we receive with a good telephone conversation about the caller’s situation. If a decision is made to hire our firm, the case information is taken using the Request Form (button located at the bottom of this page). A case file is opened, and there are follow-up planning conversations with the client and lead investigator. After a mutual understanding of objectives and strategy, the surveillance team, specialized equipment, and surveillance vehicles are assigned accordingly based on the unique circumstances of each case. An initial surveillance strategy is developed with the client’s participation, providing knowledge of past patterns, work schedules, suspicions, and gut instincts. The intent is to set a game plan for developing the evidence or information needed in the most efficient manner possible. Being productive on each surveillance conducted is the goal. After a period of surveillance is performed, we reassess with the client, decide on the next logical move, and adjust the strategy as necessary.

Assessment

Once the evidence or information has been documented, the investigation is placed on hold. At this point, the field agent(s) will consult with the client’s attorney (if one) or the client about the findings. INTERPROBE agents are not attorneys and will not provide legal advice. However, INTERPROBE agents have spent thousands of hours testifying and consulting with attorneys on domestic cases and can offer good personal opinions.

Surveillance Report Package

Once the investigation has been concluded, a report package can be requested, which includes a formal, court-ready written report that details relevant observations and information. Also included are any associated research or background checks and a final surveillance video that contains all clips from agents’ standard HD cameras, night vision cameras, covert cameras, and unmanned cameras.

Testimony

Often domestic investigations are performed to validate or invalidate suspicions and do not require legal presentation or testimony. When concluded those case files are encrypted and sealed forever or destroyed if preferred by the client. In other instances, clients may use the results as a tool to save their relationships or as pressure to negotiate a better outcome in a divorce situation. In cases where the information is to be used as evidence, INTERPROBE agents will be available to testify and present the findings in court.