Fighting a child custody battle alone is stressful enough. Even though the judge of your case will always look out for the best interest of your child, unfortunately, hearsay, emotionally-charged accusations, and other inadmissible evidence that might sway the judge’s verdict are common in family court. That’s why many people seek help from a private child custody investigator to help gather evidence that can help them win their case.
In this article, we’ll help you understand what child custody investigation is and the situations where it would be helpful for you.
What Is a Child Custody Investigation?
A child custody investigation is an unbiased assessment of the capability of both parents and their family members to take care of the child’s current and future needs. It will focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the two parties when it comes to their parenting skills, financial situation, and family dynamics.
In most cases, even if the investigation is just about one of the parents, the private investigator is required to evaluate both parties to provide the court with an impartial assessment that contains their parenting capabilities.
When Is a Private Child Custody Investigator Needed?
Of course, as a parent, you want to keep your child in your custody. And one of the best ways to make sure that it is so is to seek help from a private child custody investigator. Here are some situations when hiring a private investigator is beneficial for you.
1. If the other parent violates the custody agreement terms
Proving your ex-partner is violating the terms of your custody agreement can be tricky. Even if your allegations are true, you will need to have tangible evidence that is admissible to court; that’s where hiring a private investigator comes in. Whether your ex-partner fails to pick up and drop off your child at the scheduled time or forgets to take your child to your agreed appointments, a private investigator can gather the evidence you can use in court.
2. If the child is being neglected or abused by the other parent
If you suspect that your child is being abused or neglected by your ex-partner, it calls for an immediate investigation. The safety of your child is of the utmost importance, and time is of the essence when the issue is about their safety. Regardless if they are being mistreated or simply not being cared for, call a private investigator immediately.
3. If the other parent is cohabitating with someone
Proving your ex-partner is cohabitating with someone can influence your custody situation and child support terms. To gather admissible evidence, you need the help of a private investigator who can thoroughly investigate the current living situation of your ex-partner.
What Happens During a Child Custody Investigation?
To maintain a significant level of involvement in their child’s life after a divorce, most parents frequently have to fight for custody of their children. The investigator assigned to the child custody case will gather details on the child’s present residence and any relevant custody and visitation concerns. Then, they will personally speak with the child, both parents, and any other residents of the same household.
The investigator will also check both parties’ criminal histories and speak with other friends and family members. In addition, they will carefully go over any information from Child Protective Services, police, school, and daycare records, as well as information from family court files, medical records, and any other records.
Wrap-Up
Having a skilled private investigator help you conduct a child custody investigation is crucial to keep the court in your favor. At Liberty Private Investigations, we understand that going through a custody battle is tough, that’s why we’re here to help you get the information and evidence you need to win your case. Feel free to schedule an appointment with us to learn how we can be of service.