The battles that rage between divorcing couples as they attempt to come to a divorce settlement often involve money and child custody. Protecting yourself, your assets, and your children are paramount as you and your spouse go separate ways. A private investigator can work closely with your Michigan divorce attorney to gather evidence and contribute valuable information that will help you gain leverage in your divorce settlement.
3 Reasons to Hire a Private Investigator
Private investigators have three things you don’t: time, anonymity, and impartiality. Investigators are simply looking for information, and it is their job to dedicate hours to research, surveillance, and other investigative measures. They can conduct their work in an obvious manner as well as surreptitiously since your spouse is unaware of the private investigator’s identity. A P.I. also has zero emotional involvement in your divorce. They will gather information and present it as it is found without censorship.
Three reasons to hire a private investigator to help with your divorce settlement include:
- Asset research: It is not uncommon for an investigator to uncover hidden assets that your spouse has not admitted exist. The records and databases that private investigators have access to are far more thorough than any information you could glean from online searches yourself. Secret accounts, property, and other details often come to the surface during asset searches.
- Infidelity investigation: Suspecting that your spouse is cheating is not the same as concrete evidence. You need proof of adultery and an investigator has the tools to uncover valuable details. While Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, if you have proof of your spouse’s infidelity it can absolutely be relevant when determining spousal support as well as child support and parenting time.
- Child custody concerns: If you believe your soon-to-be ex will put your children in danger, evidence of troublesome behavior will bolster your argument. A P.I. can help you win your custody and parenting time battles by showing evidence of poor parenting or reckless behavior. If you suspect that your children are being exposed to drugs, alcohol, abuse, neglect, unsavory people, or other dangers when with your ex, concrete evidence will give you the upper hand when it comes to settling your custody agreement.
Your Michigan Divorce Attorney Can Help You Find a Private Investigator
Private investigators have the knowledge and experience to carry out divorce investigations so the evidence is gathered legally and is permissible in court. Hiring a P.I. takes trust and time, however, as you will want to confirm their credibility and certification and get references. Often, your Michigan divorce attorney already has connections with investigators and can make recommendations about professional investigators so you get the most for your money while substantially boosting your divorce settlement cards.
What you don’t want to do is use a disreputable P.I. or fall for an online scam that promises results – you may end up with evidence but it may not be permissible because of the way in which it was acquired. Ask your Michigan divorce attorney all your questions about infidelity, private investigations, and more. Contact Michigan Divorce Help, PLLC in Macomb, Michigan to schedule your no-cost consultation.