G Woodbury and Associates, Inc. 1.888.877.5749

Much has been written about how to detect signs of a cheating spouse, and even more on how to catch a cheating spouse. However, in many cases, the only way to get the answers you need is to hire a private investigator.

The very thought can be intimidating to many people, especially when one doesn’t know what to expect.

If you’ve never worked with a private investigator before, and all you know is what you’ve seen on TV or in the movies, you’ll probably be surprised to learn that we don’t work in dark offices, we don’t wear trenchcoats, and we don’t call women “dames.” In fact, we’re just normal business people, with experience as former police officers or investigators and the reason we are able to make a living in the field is because we know how to get information in a more efficient and effective way than most people.

Hiring a private investigator is simple enough. But knowing what to expect for the fee is just as important as knowing what you want the investigator to find out. Here are the top five things every client should expect from a private investigator:

1. A firm contract

A professional investigator will execute a contract between the two of you. And the contract will spell out exactly what to expect from the private investigator, and an explanation of what the investigators services will cost. Because an investigation is a form of service, rather than a tangible product, it’s often difficult to quantify the exact nature of the services that will be delivered. But a good investigator can give you a rough idea.

2. An estimated time table

One of the toughest things to predict in the PI business is how long an investigation will take. Often, a client may have a better idea than the private investigator. However, a good investigator will be able to ask the right questions in order to make a rough prediction about when to expect results. In most cases, the timetable is almost entirely dependent on the subject of the investigation and a number other variables.

3. Ongoing communication

One of the most important aspects of any investigation is the dialogue between investigator and client. The client almost always possesses critical information that the investigator can use to bring the case to a rapid close. Whether it’s a business fraud investigation, or a cheating partner case, or anything in between, the client can act as a second investigator by reporting observations to the PI. Likewise, feedback from the PI to the client can often trigger a breakthrough.

An experienced investigator will be able to advise the client on how to communicate privately and securely with the PI without compromising the investigation.

4. A complete and thorough investigation report

Professional PI’s will almost always provide the client with a detailed investigation report that the client can use as needed. Reports will often include video, still photos and other evidence gathered in the course of the investigation.

Most reports will include an explanation of who, what, when, where and how. The question of “why” is not always something an investigator can answer.

5. Advice on next steps

Often, clients take the investigator’s information and confront their cheating spouse with photos or other evidence. This is almost always a mistake because the spouse can construct an explanation around the evidence. Investigators with experience know that you never lay all the cards on the table when confronting someone who may be inclined to lie.

Investigators can and should offer guidance to their client on how best to use the information gathered – not legal advice – but advice on what to do next. Often, the advice is limited to “hire a lawyer,” or “call the police.” But the investigator’s experience usually allows him or her to provide insights to the client on how best to proceed.