Child Custody Investigation: A Consultation Checklist

A child custody investigation consultation should begin with a specific factual concern, not a request to prove that the other parent is unfit. Describe what happened, what you personally know and what question your attorney needs answered. This helps distinguish potentially relevant investigation from speculation or a parenting disagreement.

If a child faces immediate danger, contact emergency services or the appropriate authorities. An agency consultation is not an emergency response. For an ongoing family-law matter, discuss the purpose of investigative work with your attorney before arranging it.

Write a dated factual timeline

Prepare a short chronology with the date, event, source and any uncertainty. Separate what you witnessed from what another person told you. Preserve original messages or documents you already hold lawfully; do not edit them to remove context.

A useful consultation note might identify a repeated concern around a particular handoff or activity. It should not present an inference as a fact. You do not need to submit children's identifying information or complete court files through an initial inquiry form.

Ask counsel what question matters

Your attorney can explain which facts may be relevant to the proceeding and whether an investigation is proportionate. A private investigator documents facts within an agreed scope. The investigator does not decide parenting rights, modify an order or guarantee that a judge will act on a report.

A court-ordered social investigation and parenting-plan evaluation is also a distinct process. The Florida Twelfth Judicial Circuit's explanation describes its court program; it does not establish that a privately hired surveillance agency is a court-appointed evaluator. Ask counsel which service is actually needed.

Define the proposed work

For a family dispute investigation, ask what research or observation is proposed and what it can reasonably establish. If surveillance is appropriate, clarify dates, locations, authorization limits and reporting. A period with no observation does not establish that an event never occurs.

Do not contact the other party deceptively, involve a child in gathering evidence or access private accounts to supply information. Give the investigator lawful material and let counsel address orders or contact restrictions.

Agree on budget and handoff

Ask what the initial estimate includes: research, travel, fieldwork, reporting and follow-up. Agree on when the agency will seek permission for additional work. Our cost guide explains how to compare an assignment rather than just an hourly rate.

Request a report that distinguishes observations, statements and unresolved questions. Counsel can assess how the findings relate to the case; there is no guaranteed custody outcome.

Choose a safe way to reply

Use a phone or email you can access privately, and tell the agency whether voicemail is safe. If contact could place you at risk, call from a safe phone instead of submitting sensitive details online. Roberts' consultation form asks for reply preferences and a concise objective so the initial discussion can begin with appropriate boundaries.