Hiring a Private Investigator

It is often extremely difficult for a person to admit that they need the help of a stranger. That is why many people find the process of hiring a private investigator to be an emotionally trying situation. However, this does not have to be the rule by any means. Private Investigators exist to help you get the information you deserve during the even most trying times. Keep these tips in mind when hiring an investigative firm in order to ensure not only your happiness, but also your success:

Always check to make sure investigators are properly licensed. Believe it or not, there are people posing as investigators with expired credentials, or worse none at all. Be sure to contact the respective state licensing agency before you hire someone to confirm his or her license is in good standing.
Look for a private investigator that requires a signed written contract. This way both you and the investigator know exactly what the terms of your agreement are. Verbal agreements can be vague and sometimes misleading. A contract is a necessary tool to ensure the protection of you, your investigator, and his or her work product.
Ask as many questions as possible. It is not insulting to ask private investigators about their experience and success rates with cases similar in nature to your own. Find out how long they have been in business and in what section of the investigative realm their firm focuses. You should find an investigator who is experienced and capable of addressing every aspect of your needs.
Try to choose a private investigator with which you feel exceedingly comfortable. You should be able to discuss all aspects of your situation without fear or hesitancy. If you are comfortable with them, you will be more open, and in turn they will be able to better assist you.
Ask any prospective investigators for references who can speak to the quality of their work product. Typically, quality investigators build long term relationships with their repeat clients and these people can usually attest to an individual’s abilities. One should be extremely leery of any investigator who is unable to provide a list of sound references.

Private investigators regularly take up-front payments in the form of retainers prior to performing casework. If you are providing a retainer, make sure that it is a refundable retainer. In the event the investigator completes work on your case in a short period of time, you want to be sure the remaining balance of your retainer is refunded.

Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented is not legal advice and is not to be acted on as such.