Civil Case Investigation

A civil investigation is an investigation related to a civil matter. A civil matter is a court action (or pending court action) that is not criminal in nature. An investigation related to the care of a child is a civil investigation if the opposing parent is trying to prove that their ex-spouse is not taking good care of the child. A criminal investigation would be if the police were investigating a complaint of child abuse which resulted in the harm, or potential harm, of the child.

To put is simply, a civil investigation is any investigation that is not an investigation of a crime.

A civil investigation helps uncover and assemble the information needed for a civil trail. A civil trial is the opposite of a criminal trail. In most cases, this type of court case involves two individual citizens who are arguing about an issue that relates to their rights as citizens. For example, if one person sues another for damages caused in a domestic accident, the case will likely be tried in a civil trial. Civil investigations are utilized to gather the evidence that is essential to such a trial.

  • Domestic surveillance, which can include nanny cams, caregiver background checks, security surveillance, and many other types of investigations ensure that you and everyone in your home remain safe.
  • Personal injury investigations, which attempt to find out how an injury has occurred.
  • Workers compensation investigations, which try to put a stop to insurance fraud.
  • Background checks, which try to determine whether those people you trust with your business or personal life really are deserving of the faith you put in them.
  • Asset searches, which try to uncover hidden funds and valuables owned by debtors, companies,  and individuals.
  • Missing persons investigations.
  • Child custody and child abuse investigations, which can be used to attempt to uncover possible negligence and mistreatment of minors.
  • Marital investigations, which can include everything from partner surveillance to domestic abuse investigations, pre marital investigations, and cheating spouse investigations.

What Happens in a Civil Investigation?

A civil investigation typically begins with an analysis. A private investigator will usually meet with the person launching the investigation to discuss the needs of the investigation, the budget allotted for the investigation and how the case should proceed. Then, the investigator will approach the case, using a variety of investigative techniques to get answers and evidence as needed. Depending on the investigation, investigators may use surveillance, background checks, medical or forensic investigations, witness examination, and other methods they feel fit to solve the case. The investigator will then meet with the client again to discuss findings. If needed, an investigator can create an official report or even act as an expert witness in a civil trial.

Do I Need a Civil Investigation?

If you are going to be involved in a court case, the simple answer is yes. In many civil trials, proof is everything as the person who presents the most solid case is the one who wins. Simply hiring a private investigator can help you find the solid proof you need to make your court case a success. If you are being taken to court or are affected by false accusations, you may need the services of a good civil investigator to find the evidence to clear your name.