How to Know If You Actually Need a Private Investigator

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.