Child Custody Investigations
Objective Investigation. Clear Documentation.
When concerns arise about a child's care, supervision, environment, or a parent's conduct, the people involved may have very different accounts of what is happening.
Cochran & Co. conducts child custody investigations to independently observe, investigate, and document relevant conduct and circumstances within the authorized scope of an assignment.
The purpose is not to decide who should receive custody or to produce evidence supporting a predetermined position. The investigator's role is to develop and document relevant factual information that may help a client and, when applicable, their attorney better understand the circumstances.
When a Child Custody Investigation May Be Appropriate
A custody-related investigation may be considered when there are legitimate concerns involving circumstances such as:
- Activities or conduct occurring during parenting time
- Compliance with relevant routines or arrangements that can lawfully be observed
- Individuals regularly present around the child
- Locations or activities relevant to the investigative objective
- Potentially unsafe or concerning observable conduct
- Conflicting accounts concerning a parent's activities or circumstances
- Other specific concerns that may be capable of independent investigation or documentation
Not every allegation can be verified through private investigation, and not every family dispute is appropriate for investigative involvement.
Cochran & Co. reviews the circumstances and investigative objective before accepting an assignment.
Surveillance in Child Custody Matters
Surveillance is one method that may be appropriate in a custody investigation.
When authorized and appropriate, surveillance may be used to observe and document activities, movements, locations, interactions, and other circumstances relevant to the defined investigative objective.
Investigative observations may be documented through contemporaneous notes, photographs, video, and written reporting as appropriate.
Surveillance cannot guarantee that a particular event or behavior will occur while an investigator is present. Cochran & Co. documents what is actually observed rather than characterizing the absence of anticipated activity as proof that it never occurs.
Other Investigative Methods
Depending on the circumstances, custody-related work may also involve investigative research, public-record information, field inquiries, location research, or other lawful methods relevant to the assignment.
The investigative plan depends on the specific concern and the information already available.
Cochran & Co. does not use unlawful access to private accounts, communications, protected records, or other information simply because it might be relevant to a dispute.
Working With Your Attorney
Clients who are already represented in a custody or family-law matter should consider informing their attorney before beginning investigative work.
An attorney may be able to help identify issues that are particularly relevant to the legal matter and advise the client regarding how investigative information may be used.
Cochran & Co. can also communicate and coordinate with counsel when authorized and appropriate.
Cochran & Co. provides investigative services—not legal advice—and does not determine how investigative findings will affect a custody proceeding.
What You May Receive
The documentation produced depends on the investigative activity performed and the findings developed during the assignment.
When applicable, documentation may include:
- Investigative notes and observations
- Photographs
- Video
- Relevant research or records information
- Chronological summaries of investigative activity
- Written investigative reporting
Original investigative media and case records are handled separately from derivative or annotated material when applicable.
Reports distinguish observed facts from information obtained through other sources and from supported investigative inference.
Objectivity Matters
A custody investigation should not begin with the assumption that an allegation is true simply because a client believes it to be true.
The client's legitimate concerns establish the investigative objective. The evidence determines the findings.
If investigative activity documents conduct relevant to the client's concern, Cochran & Co. reports it.
If observations contradict an allegation, that is reported accurately.
If available information does not permit a conclusion, the investigation should not manufacture one.
That objectivity helps preserve the usefulness and credibility of the investigative work.
What to Expect
- 01
Initial Consultation
Cochran & Co. will discuss your concerns, the information currently available, whether a court case or attorney is involved, and what you hope the investigation can help establish or document.
- 02
Case Review
The matter is reviewed for lawful purpose, investigative suitability, potential conflicts, scope, and other relevant considerations.
- 03
Scope & Engagement
If Cochran & Co. accepts the matter, the proposed investigative approach, applicable rates, anticipated costs, and engagement requirements are discussed before investigative work begins.
- 04
Investigation & Reporting
The investigation proceeds according to the authorized scope and circumstances encountered. Relevant findings are documented and communicated according to the assignment.
Related Services
Discuss a Child Custody Matter
You do not need to know exactly what type of investigation is required before contacting Cochran & Co.
Be prepared to explain the circumstances, your specific concerns, any existing custody or parenting arrangements relevant to the investigation, whether an attorney is involved, and what information you already have.
Cochran & Co. can then determine whether the matter is appropriate for investigation and discuss possible next steps.
Submitting an inquiry does not guarantee case acceptance or any particular investigative result.
Cochran & Co. | Private InvestigationsFacts for Informed Decisions