Child Custody Investigators: What They Do & How They Can Help You

Unfortunately, marriages and other relationships don’t always work out, resulting in a separation, or even a divorce. And when there are children involved, a custody investigation can help to ensure that they’re safe and their well-being is prioritized. These investigations can be ordered by the courts, or requested by one of the parents, to understand what the child’s experience is like. Occasionally, there may be instances of chronic neglect, alcoholism, drug use, or even abuse. 

At Cowan Investigations, we aren’t just the top-rated cheating spouse investigators serving Mercer County, NJ; we’re also the expert licensed child custody investigators who can find out the truth and maybe even help to save your child’s life. Since many child custody cases are often contemptuous, allegations from both sides can be lodged against each other, and hiring a private investigator can provide the evidence necessary to prove or disprove the client’s claims. 

Let’s take a look at what a child custody investigation can do for you. 

What is Child Custody?

It’s crucial to understand the different types of custody. For instance, legal custody refers to the parent or guardian having the right to make legal decisions on behalf of the child. Physical custody refers to the parent or guardian with whom the child will live. Furthermore, either type of custody can be joint or sole custody. Joint custody means the parents share the responsibilities; sole custody means that one parent plays the primary role in the child’s life.

What is Involved in a Child Custody Investigation?

Child custody investigations help to examine the well-being and treatment of a child objectively. During the investigation, an investigator may obtain evidence through a variety of means. 

  • Interviewing the child’s neighbors, teachers, counselors, friends, parents, and others.
  • Looking for hidden financial assets or other data that suggest one parent is trying to avoid their financial obligations.
  • Gathering evidence and other information that’s relevant to the case. 
  • Conducting a thorough background check of one of the parents.
  • Surveilling the subject to find evidence of drug or alcohol abuse, reckless driving or gambling, as well as signs their living space is not safe in terms of hygiene, cleanliness, food, and other necessities. 

Why Hire a Private Investigator?

The primary reason to hire a professional child custody investigator is to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. If one parent thinks the other parent or guardian is unfit to care for the child, then a private investigator can help to provide the court with the necessary evidence, testimony, and objectivity. All of this helps to give the hiring parent the peace of mind they need.

For more information on child custody investigations or infidelity investigations in Middlesex County, NJ, contact Cowan Investigations today.