3 Reasons Your Lawyer May Recommend Hiring A Private Investigator
It is quite common for lawyers to recommend that their clients hire a private investigator to assist in their case. Below you can learn more about three of the reasons why these professional investigative services are often recommended.
#1: Obtain Corroborating Evidence
When it comes to proving something in court, your word simply may not be enough. For instance, if you have a prenuptial agreement that bars your spouse from collecting alimony if they commit adultery, simply telling the judge that your spouse is cheating is not enough to substantiate your claim. In this situation, a private investigator can help you to get the corroborating evidence that you need in order to prove your position to the court.
#2: Find Hidden Assets
If you are looking to recover damages from an individual or simply wish to ensure you get your fair share when splitting assets in a divorce, a private investigator may be able to help you locate any assets which the other party has hidden. When using a private investigator for this purpose, it is important to understand that the law requires you to have a reasonable suspicion that assets are being hidden. Since the law bars private investigators from investigating finances based on a hunch or conspiracy theory, you may be asked to provide proof of your reason behind asking for the investigation.
#3: Find Evidence Of Fraud
If you are the subject of a lawsuit and suspect that the person suing you is attempting to commit fraud, a private investigator may be able to find proof of this fraud so that you can effectively defend yourself against the suit. For instance, if someone is claiming to have suffered debilitating injuries as a result of falling on your property, gathering evidence that this person's injuries are not as they described may help you to avoid paying out a large settlement.
A Final Thought
While private investigators can often prove quite useful when dealing with legal issues, it is important to remember that these professional investigators are not members of law enforcement. This means that they must operate under the same laws as any normal citizen. For instance, a private investigator will not be permitted to trespass on private property, hack personal records, or harass individuals. These investigators also lack the ability to detain or arrest anyone. If you require these types of actions, you will need to reach out to law enforcement to assist with your situation.
For more information. contact a private investigator firm in your area such as Gary Litton Investigators.