Child Custody – When to Bring in a Personal Investigator in NJ

Of all the aspects of divorce, child custody is generally the most contested. It’s an argument of who is the better parent, and who is better able to provide for the child. Both parents are usually very personally invested in the custody battle, more than any other, for obvious reasons. Even if temporary custody has already been awarded to your spouse, it’s not too late to sway the decision in your favor. A personal investigator in NJ may be able to gather evidence to help you win a custody battle.

What Can a Personal Investigator Do For Your Case?

Personal investigators are trained to gather information quickly and, most importantly, discretely. They may be former police officers, military members, or have some type of background with criminal justice that has given them investigative training. They’re experienced in interviewing eyewitnesses, gathering information, and locating people or property.

A personal investigator in NJ will meet with you to gather information about your spouse that’s relevant to your case. This information will likely include where they go with your children, their habits, what they typically spend their money on, and so forth. The personal investigator can use this information to document if your spouse is appropriately performing their parental responsibilities while they have custody of your child. For instance, an investigator could provide proof that your spouse is consistently late picking up your child from school, or that they’re consistently leaving your child with a babysitter while they go out for the evening, or that they’re otherwise neglecting or abusing your child.

What Kind of Evidence Can They Gather?

In the state of New Jersey, you’re not allowed to secretly videotape, photograph, or record someone in the privacy of their own home. However, a personal investigator can videotape, photograph, or otherwise record your spouse in a public place. For instance, a personal investigator in NJ can document your spouse out for a night on the town while your child is home alone. They can provide photos and videos of your spouse in public places, items like dropped receipts, or anything that is thrown away.

The purpose is to provide information that paints a picture of your spouse as a parent. If they are leaving your child alone or with a babysitter while they go out to do other things, that could be enough to sway a judge’s decision in your favor. A good investigator can uncover information that gives you a better chance of gaining custody of your children.

How Can You Find The Right Personal Investigator in NJ?

As with any service, make sure that the personal investigator you’re considering is experienced and professional. Depending on the state, there may be different licenses available at the federal or state level. In New Jersey, one must show proof of at least 5 years of experience as an investigator or police officer with a local or state police department, or some other investigative department for a county, city, state, or federal organization in order to become licensed. Some criminal justice programs can provide the required training and experience for licensure. Many who are interested in a career in the field typically complete a degree in criminal justice.

Make sure your personal investigator is licensed at all applicable levels. If you’re unsure whether or not you can use a personal investigator in your custody case, ask your attorney. For example, you can ask questions like: “If my spouse is regularly putting my child in daycare during times I’m available to watch them, can a personal investigator help me prove it?” or “I don’t think my spouse is a bad parent, but I know I’m a better one; can an investigator help me if there’s no real ‘dirt’ on them?”

South and Associates is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured investigative, security consulting, and training services company. We understand that you want to make sure your child is in the best possible scenario for success. Our team of experts is dedicated, knowledgeable, professional, and discrete. If you need a personal investigator in NJ for your custody case, get in touch with us today.