Child Custody Private Investigations
No one wants to believe that their child is in danger, especially from people who are supposed to care for them. But as incomprehensible as it may seem, there are parents and caregivers who are capable of harming a child. What do you do when you suspect someone of harming your child, but you have no evidence to support this claim? Private investigators are trained to uncover and document information and events, testifying to this evidence in a court of law if necessary.
Reasons for Investigation
• Safety suspicions—the horrible truth is that children are more likely to be physically, sexually, or emotionally abused or neglected by the people who are closest to them. A private investigator can discreetly expose or assuage any suspicions that a child may be in danger from their loved ones or caretakers.
• Accused of abuse—especially in divorce cases, emotions run wild, and sometimes so do the accusations. A parent may need a private investigator to prove that he or she is conducting themselves properly with their child.
• Exposure to abuse—even if a child is not the direct victim of abuse or neglect, they can still suffer greatly if they witness such abuse, especially if the abused person is their loved one or guardian. An investigator can bring such evidence to light, and provide a concrete way of protecting the child.
• Custody issues—sometimes a parent is looking for a way to gain custody or visitation with their child. A private investigator can gather evidence that can help a parent achieve that goal.
• Child support—neglect comes in a variety of forms. Often a parent will neglect their financial responsibilities to their child, or find a way to shirk their responsibilities. A private investigator can provide background checks, financial information, and surveillance to give evidence of the capacity of a parent to provide for their child.
Qualifications
When deciding to hire a private investigator, it’s important to know that they can perform adequately, plus be a credible witness if required to testify in court. The following are qualifications necessary for a private investigator.
• Education—many states require at least three years education in the areas of either criminal law, political science, or computer science.
• Experience—most private investigators have experience in related fields, like law enforcement, security, government intelligence or military, which help prepare them for investigatory work.
• Licensing—most states require private investigators to hold a license, and many will not give out a license without proof of at least three years of education or experience in a related field.
• Training—there are many competent training programs for people interested in becoming private investigators.
• Legal knowledge—all private investigators should be aware of the most current laws affecting their state and inter-state relations.
No parent wants to believe that they are unable to protect their child from harm and that they must have outside help to keep their child safe. But not only can private investigators offer quality, discreet services, but they can also offer peace of mind.