When it comes to your family there is not much you won’t do, correct? The first thing you think when anticipating a family law matter arising is to contact an attorney. Have you ever thought to also contact an investigator as well or if you’ve had a previous legal matter was it ever suggested to you by your attorney? Most citizens are unaware of this valuable resource and how it can really make a difference in your case and all to your benefit. While private investigators aren’t at the top of the list when someone thinks of a legal professional, rest assured they are on the list. While costing an average of $75 an hour or more, it could save you thousands in the end and maybe just a little peace of mind as well.
What is a Private Investigator?
Private investigators can perform a multitude of services for you and your attorney while assisting in your case. Most full-service investigators are well trained in the proverbial spying of cheating spouses but are also trained in surveillance, process service, skip tracing, criminal defense, background checks, civil standbys, finding missing persons, and pre-trial matters. It is not uncommon for a seasoned attorney to have a “right-hand man” when it comes to investigators and usually they can assist your case from start to finish.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor states that employment of private investigators is projected to grow 5 percent from 2014 to 2024 and nearly 1 in 4 were self-employed in 2014. What does that mean for you? While a legal professional knows the value of an investigator in a legal matter the prospective parties to such matters are beginning to realize they are essential to their case and biting the bullet when it comes to added costs.
How they can help?
Let’s start with the most obvious reason a person would want to hire a professional of this nature. When someone hears the words private investigator what is the first thing they think? Someone who spies on a cheating spouse. If you think your significant other might be cheating on you your instinct kicks in and you start sleuthing as you worked for the CIA. However, much information you may find, it’s not always admissible in court and while you may gather tons of “dirt” it’s not always going to be information a Judge will entertain, and not all dirt is good dirt. A trained licensed Investigator is able to gather the correct evidence they know will be beneficial to your case and create a formal report based on their findings that can be submitted as evidence against the opposing party/parties. As mentioned before a highly trained and multifaceted investigator can help you and your attorney with your case from start to finish. One crucial point that comes into play is having your investigator testify as an expert witness should you find yourself on trial. Think of it this way- you wouldn’t really take into account information you hear from a “he said…” or “she said…” basis about serious matters that affect your livelihood and your family, however, a trained and licensed professional delivering information on case matters while under oath and in a court of law is valid and valuable.
Not everyone is able to afford an investigator but you should explore all of your options with your attorney and determine if hiring an investigator would aid you in your legal matters. Consult with an experienced attorney today such as the family lawyer Arlington TX locals trust.
A special thanks to our authors at Brandy Austin for their insight into Family Law.
