Family law matters, whether they involve separation, property or the care of children, are some of the most stressful situations people face. Decisions are often made on limited or disputed information. A licensed private investigator can help by gathering facts lawfully and reporting them objectively, working alongside your lawyer. This guide explains where an investigator can help, what they can’t do, and what to expect.
How a private investigator can help in family law matters
Parenting and child welfare concerns
When the court decides parenting arrangements, its main focus is the child’s safety and wellbeing. If you have genuine concerns, an investigator can document what is actually happening, for example:
- whether a child is being supervised and cared for properly during the other parent’s time
- signs of drug or alcohol misuse, or unsafe driving with children in the car
- who else is regularly around the child, and whether a background check on them is warranted
Compliance with orders
Where there are parenting orders or other court orders in place, an investigator can record whether handovers, time arrangements and other conditions are being followed. A dated, factual record is far more useful to your lawyer than recollection alone.
Separation and property matters
- Asset and income enquiries: lawful research into property, business interests and other assets that may be relevant to a settlement.
- Background checks: confirming the history of a former partner or a new person in the household. See background checks.
- Locating a party: finding someone who needs to be served with documents or has moved without leaving details. See locating people.
Relationship concerns
Australia has no-fault divorce, so infidelity itself doesn’t affect whether a divorce is granted. It can still matter to you personally, or where it affects the children or the household. See cheating partner investigations.
What the work involves
- Surveillance: observing and recording movements in public places, with dated photo and video.
- Research: public records, court and company records, property and lawful databases.
- Enquiries and statements: speaking with people who have relevant information.
- Reporting: a clear, dated account of what was observed, prepared to a standard suitable for legal proceedings where needed. If required, the investigator can give evidence about what they observed.
What an investigator can’t do
Investigators have no police powers. They can’t access the other party’s phone, messages, email or accounts, fit tracking devices to a car the other person uses without consent, record private conversations unlawfully, or enter private property. Evidence obtained that way can damage your case and create legal problems of its own. A licensed investigator will tell you plainly what can and can’t be done. This is general information, not legal advice: your lawyer should guide how any findings are used.
Working with your lawyer
The most effective family law investigations are planned with the client’s lawyer, so the work focuses on the issues that actually matter to the case. If you don’t have a lawyer yet, a first conversation with an investigator can still help you understand what is possible before you decide on next steps.
What to expect
- A confidential first conversation about your concerns and what you need to know.
- A plan and written quote agreed before any work begins.
- The investigation, carried out discreetly, with updates at key stages.
- A clear report with supporting photos or video where relevant.
Sometimes the answer is that your concerns aren’t borne out, and that is worth knowing too. For more on choosing an investigator, see how to hire a private investigator.
Talk to Truth Investigations
Truth Investigations has been helping families and their lawyers since 2013. We hold investigator licences in New South Wales (Master Security Licence 410944186), Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, and work across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Canberra. See family law investigations.
The first conversation is free and confidential. Call 1800 878 847 or use our confidential enquiry form.
