Child custody battles can be among the most complicated and heartwrenching legal disputes to endure. Not only are you fighting to determine who gets physical and legal custody of the child, it is also a decision that can have a profound impact on the child's future. It is important to get it right in the child's best interest. Unfortunately, when a relationship between parents has broken down, it is easy to lose sight of what matters most, and custody battles can often become about scoring points against each other. Many factors need to be considered when defining a child's best interests, including finances, home environment, stability, parenting ability, and the parents' behavior. While some of these can be simple to demonstrate, such as evidence of a steady income and a suitable place to live, other factors, like parental behavior, can be trickier to prove. That's where a private investigator in Knoxville, TN, comes in.
Let's examine how working with a private investigator in Knoxville, TN, can benefit your child custody battle.
Background Checks
A private investigator in Knoxville, TN, can run a background check on one or both parents. This can be useful in showing any past criminal activity, substance abuse issues, or any other issues that might call into question the suitability of the parent to have full custody. It can also be used in the opposite way to show a clean background check showing that you are in good legal standing.
Surveillance
One of the most common tasks people ask a private investigator in Knoxville, TN, to do is carrying out surveillance work. The images and video collected from surveillance can prove to be valuable evidence if you need to prove that the other parent is being abusive, neglectful, or engaging in undesirable behaviors while the child is present. Surveillance can also be used to prove that court-ordered visitation terms are being broken. This type of evidence is only permissible when obtained legally, so it is necessary to use a reputable private investigator who knows the legal aspects of surveillance.
Locating Assets
When one parent loses custody, they will often retaliate by refusing to pay child support. As this is a legal requirement, they sometimes hide assets to claim financial hardship and avoid making the payments. When you work with a private investigator in Knoxville, TN, they can help locate these hidden assets, including bank accounts, investments, and property. Showing the courts proof of these assets can help make sure your child gets the financial support required.
A PI can also monitor a parent's lifestyle to gather evidence of hidden wealth or undeclared income. For example, they may document expensive purchases, vacations, or other high-cost activities that contradict the parent's reported income.
Witness Interviews
A private investigator in Knoxville, TN, can also assist in your child custody battle by interviewing witnesses such as teachers, doctors, and other adults who have regular contact with the child. This can help establish any concerns about the child's well-being or if there has been any change in their behavior. The PI may also interview people regarding the parent to find out if they have been engaging in any concerning behaviors that would make them an unfit parent.
Gathering Evidence
A private investigator in Knoxville, TN, will be able to gather a wide variety of evidence that can be used to support your custody case. In addition to the information we have already mentioned, they can carry out digital forensics to gather evidence of concerning behavior or malicious communications online, and they can obtain information and records from many databases that are not easily accessible to the general public. All of this evidence can be gathered together in order to present the court with a clear picture of the parent's suitability or lack of suitability to have custody of the child.
In conclusion, navigating a child custody battle can be overwhelming, but enlisting the help of a private investigator in Knoxville, TN, can provide invaluable support. From conducting background checks and surveillance to uncovering hidden assets and gathering critical witness testimonies, a skilled private investigator can help you present a stronger case in court. The evidence they gather can ensure that the focus remains on what truly matters—the child's well-being. With their expertise, you can feel more confident that all factors impacting your custody case are thoroughly examined, helping to secure a fair outcome in your child's best interest.
Uncover the truth!
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Ken Shull served as a Special Agent with the FBI for almost 25 years and was head of the FBI Polygraph program until his retirement in 2001. At that time he set up the Kendall Investigations practice as a private investigator in Knoxville, TN offering Polygraph services, private investigations, and security guards. Ken is a member of the American Polygraph Association and The American Association of Police Polygraphists.
The Truth is Still the Truth Even if No One Believes it, A Lie is Still a Lie Even if Everyone Believes it.