During a child custody investigation our investigators utilize:

Observation And Surveillance:

The private investigator will observe the other parent caring for and interacting with the child. This type of surveillance can determine whether or not problems like neglect or abuse are occurring.

In situations where the other parent is abusing drugs or alcohol or failing to provide the necessary attention to the child, the private investigator will obtain evidence. Evidence like this can be presented when testifying about the other parent’s behavior or the living conditions at your home.

Sworn Statements From Witnesses:

A private investigator can talk to witnesses who know the other parent and have seen them interacting with the child. Statements like these can be quite powerful when they are presented in court. They provide a lot of insight into the other parent’s character and behavior.

Details About Their Background:

A private investigator will conduct a thorough background check on the other parent. The information that they obtain can provide a clearer picture of everything from their finances to any criminal activity in their past.

Child Custody Case Classifications:

Every child custody case is different. However, they are typically classified into several general categories. Depending on the type of case, the private investigator will use whatever investigative techniques are the most effective.

Custody Disputes

Anytime child custody disputes arise, it is important to present factual evidence to the court. This is especially true if your partner is accusing you of something that you didn’t do or if you need to show key facts about their behavior.

Violations Of An Existing Custody Agreement

If your partner has broken or violated your existing custody agreement, you need to provide hard evidence to the court.

Examples of violations that frequently occur include forgetting to drop off or pick up the child at a designated time, hanging around people who may be dangerous, or not following through with appointments.

Abuse Or Neglect

Anytime a child is involved, accusations of abuse or neglect need to be evaluated right away. The private investigator will begin gathering evidence as quickly as possible to protect the child’s safety and well-being.

Cohabitation Evidence

If your ex is living with another person, you may be able to lower the amount of child support you are paying. Their living situation may also affect your child custody arrangement. A private investigator can help prove that they are cohabitating with someone else.

Private Investigators Can Provide Much-Needed Assistance In Child Custody Cases

Anytime you are dealing with serious issues like the custody of your child, it is essential to take steps to ensure that they are safe, happy, and protected.

Working with ISS-Investigations is one of the best ways to build a solid case. Contact us today to get the ball rolling. We are dedicated to providing the best services to our clients.

Can I Hire a Private Investigator for Supervised Visitation?

Yrs, you can hire a private investigator in South Africa for supervised visitation, though they would likely be conducting child custody investigations or providing surveillance services to gather evidence for court cases related to parental responsibilities and child safety. You should hire a PSIRA-registered investigator to ensure they operate legally and ethically, providing evidence that can be used in court. 

Steps to hiring a private investigator:
• Find a PSIRA-registered investigator: 
In South Africa, private investigators must be registered with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA). This ensures they comply with legal and ethical guidelines and that their evidence is admissible in court. 
• Consult with a few investigators: 
Look for investigators with experience in child custody cases or family law. They can explain how their services can help and provide a transparent pricing structure. 
• Ensure ethical practices: 
A reputable investigator will not engage in illegal surveillance or try to manufacture evidence. They will conduct their investigation with integrity and confidentiality. 
What to expect:
• Surveillance and evidence: 
The PI will likely conduct surveillance to document the parent's behavior or the children's living conditions, providing evidence to support your claims in court. 
• Court-admissible evidence: 
They understand legal requirements and will ensure the evidence they collect can be used in court. 
• Confidentiality and sensitivity: 
In family-related cases, investigators handle matters with the sensitivity and confidentiality required. 

They provide detailed reports after visitation meetings with objective details of events. Unlike family members or friends, they would refrain from sharing a subjective personal opinion and their comprehensive reports can help you better understand the situation too.

If the visiting parent doesn’t take good care of the child, neglects their needs, or tends to be abusive with them, then the report findings will help you prove to court through relevant evidence that the child may be at risk in their presence.

Furthermore, private investigators are trained and experienced at handling child custody cases and know what to do if tensions rise. They can de-escalate the situation and ensure the child’s safety in a safe and professional manner.

How to Make Supervised Visitation Work

If the court has decided that your ex-partner should meet your child only in the presence of a third party, then you need to understand the details of the court order to abide by the law. It’s therefore important to go through the court decision to understand the situation.

You should inform the child about the decision and remind them in advance when visits are due so they aren’t surprised at the last moment and can plan their activities accordingly. Don’t be angry when they return after spending an enjoyable time with their other parent and listen to their stories without passing negative comments.

Don’t dictate or coach them about what to do during visits. Rather, you should let them meet their parent and spend quality time as they want.

Assure your child that the decision is in their best interest, and you will always support them. Let them enjoy their time and remind them that you wish them to be happy and comfortable.

Make sure you don’t badmouth your former partner in front of your child since they love their parents, and your negative attitude may hurt their feelings. Therefore, try to mention positive things about your ex-partner and encourage your child to respect them. Not only is it good for your child but also improves your reputation.

When it comes to supervised visits, make sure you are aware of supervised visitation guidelines as per state laws. Follow the schedule and reach the designated visitation place on time. Don’t be late without any reason and deliberately shorten visiting time. Make sure the child is ready and has necessary items with them that they may need during the day.

Conclusion

The family court may order supervised visitation in child custodial matters when the non-custodial parent is proved to be unfit or untrustworthy for looking after their child. Therefore, you may hire a private investigator to monitor the situation during visits and ensure the safety of the child by presenting you with detailed reports.

Dealing with a supervised visitation situation isn’t always easy for the visiting parent as well as the custodial parent. But they can make it work by prioritising the safety and happiness of their children.

Do you want to know how to request supervised visitation? 

Just give us a Call:

072 613 9925 or 072 048 4226

Then our professional team can assist you with Child Custody Matters.