Navigating the complex world of divorce can be challenging. On many occasions, one spouse may suspect the other of unreasonable behaviour, infidelity, or even hiding assets. In such scenarios, hiring a private investigator for divorce might be in your best interest.
Private investigators, often called PIs, offer invaluable private investigation services, such as conducting surveillance, gathering information, or helping to prove adultery. They could also assist in revealing hidden assets that could affect a divorce case’s outcome.
1. What Can A Private Investigator Do During Divorce?
Private investigators can play a significant role in divorce cases. They can perform the following functions:
Investigate Infidelity
Adultery is a factor that might influence the outcome of divorce proceedings. A private detective can conduct surveillance to gather evidence and prove if one spouse has committed adultery.
Find Hidden Assets
Sometimes, a married woman or man may hide assets during divorce proceedings. A private investigator can track down these hidden assets.
Help With Child Custody Cases
A PI can also investigate and present evidence concerning child custody issues. They can provide information collected about the other spouse’s conduct, which might influence a judge’s decision.
Support Cases Of Unreasonable Behaviour
In Singapore, unreasonable behaviour is considered a legitimate ground for divorce under the Women’s Charter. This involves a spouse acting in a manner that makes it intolerable for the other spouse to continue living with them.
Examples of unreasonable behaviour may include consistent verbal or physical abuse, alcohol or substance misuse, economic deprivation, or neglect. Evidence of such actions can significantly support your claim in a divorce case, but providing this proof can sometimes be challenging. Hiring a private investigator can help procure supporting evidence or proof of unreasonable behaviour.
2. How Do I Use A Private Investigator In Court For Divorce?
To use the evidence gathered by a private investigator in court, ensure it is obtained legally and relevant to your case. Remember that your professional advice should primarily come from family law firms, who can guide you through the legal issues of presenting such evidence.
A private investigator hired for your case should provide you with detailed reports, video or photo evidence, and potentially, testify in court about their investigation. They should also ensure their conduct follows the law and respects privacy rights.
3. Is Private Investigator Evidence Legal In Court?
Yes, evidence gathered by a private investigator is generally admissible in court, provided it has been obtained legally. This is why hiring a reputable PI who knows the law and the limits of their conduct is vital.
4. Types Of Evidence Admissible In Court During Divorce Proceedings
Photographs And Videos
These forms of evidence can be invaluable in proving cases of adultery or unreasonable behaviour. A PI may capture photographs or videos of a spouse engaging in compromising activities, such as secretly meeting someone or participating in illicit activities.
However, these must be obtained legally, respecting the other party’s privacy rights. They cannot be secured through trespassing or other unlawful means, as this would render them inadmissible in court and may lead to legal issues.
Financial Records
Financial documents like bank statements, credit card billings, real estate documents, or business records can be robust evidence in divorce cases. These records may reveal hidden assets one party has concealed to avoid division in the divorce.
They may also uncover fraudulent practices, like money being syphoned to secret accounts or assets being transferred to family or friends. Unveiling such financial irregularities can significantly impact the financial outcome of the divorce and ensure a fair division of assets.
Text Messages And Emails
Digital communication is a common source of evidence in modern divorce cases. Text messages, emails, or even social media interactions can serve as proof of inappropriate behaviour, infidelity, or intentions to hide assets.
However, a Private investigator must do due diligence to legally secure these types of evidence. For instance, they cannot hack into someone’s personal email account but can use information gathered from shared devices or publicly posted messages.
Witness Testimonials
Firsthand accounts from people who know the spouse’s behaviour can strengthen your case. This could include testimonies from a private detective who conducted surveillance, neighbours who’ve witnessed erratic behaviour, or friends who have been confided in about the adultery. These testimonies must be truthful and reliable, as false statements can lead to perjury charges.
Children’s Statements
In child custody cases, the court may consider statements from the children (depending on their age and level of maturity). While this can be a grey area, their views could help paint a picture of the home environment and each parent’s behaviour.
It’s crucial to note that private investigators and their interactions with children should be handled ethically and delicately. They should never coerce or manipulate children into providing statements.
Instead, private investigators can observe and report interactions between the child and parent during visitations or custodial periods. Doing these allows them to provide unbiased information to support the court’s decision. Additionally, their expertise can ensure that the child’s well-being is paramount throughout the investigation.
5. How Do I Find A Private Investigator For My Divorce Case?
Finding a suitable PI involves considering their experience with divorce cases, their understanding of the Women’s Charter in Singapore, and their success with previous cases. Recommendations from professional family law firms could also guide you towards a reliable private investigator.
Conclusion On Hiring A Private Investigator For Divorce
Engaging a private investigator for your divorce case could be prudent. Private investigators are adept in proving adultery, identifying hidden assets, and presenting evidence vital for child custody disputes. A licensed PI will always ensure any evidence they collect is done legally and in adherence to Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act.
Divorce can be a tough and tumultuous time for any couple. If you’re going through one and want to ensure the best interests of you and your child, hire our private investigators at Catch Cheating. We’re a team of private investigators in Singapore committed to achieving the best outcomes for our clients.
Schedule a consultation today and learn how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions On Hiring A Private Investigator For Divorce
Should I Hire Private Investigators To Follow My Wife?
In Singapore, hiring a private investigator is legal if you suspect your wife of infidelity or any unreasonable behaviour impacting your marriage. However, the PI must conduct surveillance within the confines of the law without violating any privacy rights.
Is Hiring A Private Investigator Considered Harassment?
No, hiring a private investigator in itself isn’t considered harassment. However, if their methods involve stalking, trespassing, or any form of intimidation, it may cross into harassment territory under Singapore law. The investigator must always operate within legal boundaries.
Can Private Investigators Get Messages From Social Media?
Private investigators can review publicly accessible social media content. However, they cannot access private messages without the account owner’s consent, which would infringe upon privacy rights and potentially break Singapore’s cyber laws.
How Do Private Investigators Discover Cheating Spouses?
Private investigators uncover infidelity through various methods:
- Surveillance
- Tracking
- Online investigation
- Analysing communication patterns.
Can A Private Investigator Hack Into Phones?
No, a private investigator cannot hack into phones. Doing so is against the law in Singapore, violating privacy rights and the Computer Misuse Act. Any evidence obtained through such methods would not be admissible in court.
