Not every situation requires a private investigator. Part of our job — and part of what builds long-term trust with clients and attorneys — is being honest about when an investigation is likely to help and when it isn't.
Signs that a PI engagement is likely to produce useful results:
You have a specific, concrete question that factual evidence can answer. You suspect a spouse is cohabiting with a new partner in violation of an alimony agreement. You need to locate a person for legal proceedings. You need documented evidence of activity for a custody modification. You have a business partner you suspect of fraud and need evidence before legal action. You have received conflicting accounts of an incident and need objective documentation.
Signs that a PI engagement may not be the right next step:
You are looking for emotional confirmation of something you already believe but cannot define as a specific, investigable question. You want to monitor a person's every move indefinitely without a defined objective. Your budget is very limited and the suspected behavior is unlikely to be observable within a short surveillance window.
What should you do before you call?
Think about what specific piece of evidence would actually change your situation. "I want to know if my spouse is cheating" is a starting point. "I need documentation that my spouse is spending nights at a specific address in order to support my divorce filing" is an investigable objective. The more specific you can be, the more efficiently we can work.
The consultation is free.
We offer a free confidential consultation precisely because we want to make sure an investigation is the right tool for your situation before anyone commits time or money. We would rather tell you honestly that your case may not benefit from PI services than take your money and deliver results that don't help.
Call Birds Eye Investigations at 615-200-7064. No pressure, no commitment, complete confidentiality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I cannot afford a long investigation?
Narrow the question. A focused goal, such as confirming where someone goes on one specific evening or verifying a single address, often costs far less than open-ended monitoring. Birds Eye can help you decide which piece of evidence matters most and design a short engagement around it, with the scope, timeline and cost put in writing before work begins.
Is hiring a PI agency worth it for a minor dispute?
Sometimes not. If the amount at stake is small, or the facts are already clear and undisputed, the cost of an investigation may be more than it is worth. In those cases a letter, a small claims filing or a conversation with an attorney may be a better first step. Birds Eye will say so plainly if that is the case.
Will a PI agency ever advise me not to hire them?
A good one should. Birds Eye would rather decline a case than take on work that is unlikely to answer your question. If the goal is not something evidence can resolve, if the law does not allow what you are asking for, or if another professional is a better fit, you will hear that before any agreement is signed.
Should I wait until a lawsuit is filed before hiring a PI agency?
Not necessarily. Some facts are easier to document before the other side knows a case is coming, and early findings can shape your attorney's strategy. In other matters, it makes sense to wait until the issues are defined. If you have an attorney, ask them about timing. If not, a short conversation with a licensed PI can help you decide.
