Divorce cases often involve more than just legal arguments and paperwork—they require uncovering facts, verifying information, and protecting clients' rights. To build strong cases, divorce lawyers frequently partner with private investigators (PIs) and skip tracers, leveraging their expertise to gather evidence, locate individuals, and reveal hidden assets. 

In this blog, we'll explore the many ways PIs and skip tracers play a crucial role in divorce cases and how their work can significantly benefit clients.

1. Locating Hidden Assets

One of the most common reasons divorce lawyers hire PIs is to uncover hidden assets. In high-conflict divorces, it's not unusual for one spouse to attempt to conceal property, bank accounts, or income streams to avoid division.

How PIs and Skip Tracers Help:

• Asset Tracing: PIs use public records, financial databases, and surveillance to track down undisclosed assets, such as offshore accounts, hidden real estate, or business interests.
• Skip Tracing Financial Records: Skip tracers specialize in tracking financial trails, including bank accounts, investment portfolios, and cryptocurrency holdings.
• Lifestyle Surveillance: Investigators may document lavish spending habits that contradict claimed income levels, which can be used to challenge financial disclosures.

2. Uncovering Infidelity or Misconduct

While Georgia is a no-fault divorce state, evidence of infidelity or misconduct can still impact alimony, asset division, and custody decisions.

How PIs Help:

• Surveillance: PIs monitor a spouse's activities to capture potential evidence of adultery or inappropriate behavior.
• Gathering Digital Evidence: Investigators may review social media activity, text messages, or emails to uncover affairs or misconduct.
• Documenting Co-Habitation: In post-divorce cases, PIs can confirm whether a former spouse is cohabitating with a new partner, which may affect spousal support payments.

3. Verifying Parental Fitness in Custody Battles

In contested custody cases, private investigators are often hired to evaluate the fitness of the other parent.

How PIs Help:

• Surveillance for Negligence or Abuse: PIs can document evidence of unsafe parenting practices, neglect, or substance abuse through photos, videos, and written reports.
• Background Checks: PIs investigate a parent'scriminal history, financial stability, or living conditions, which may influence custody decisions.
• Witness Statements: Investigators can interview neighbors, teachers, or acquaintances to gather testimony about a parent's behavior or involvement with the child.

4. Finding Missing or Uncooperative Spouses

In some divorce cases, a spouse may intentionally disappear or refuse to be served with legal documents. This is where skip tracers come in.

How Skip Tracers Help:

• Locating Missing Spouses: Skip tracers use databases, public records, and advanced search techniques to find individuals who have moved, changed addresses, or are intentionally avoiding service.
• Service of Process Assistance: PIs or process servers work with skip tracers to ensure legal documents are properly served, preventing delays.
• Tracking Down Witnesses: In some cases, skip tracers help findkey witnesses whose testimony is critical to the case.

5. Investigating Financial Fraud and Deception

In high-asset divorces, PIs often assist lawyers by investigatingfinancial fraud, business misconduct, or suspicious transactions.

How PIs and Skip Tracers Help:

• Forensic Accounting Assistance: PIs collaborate withforensic accountants to identify fraudulent transfers, hidden business interests, or false financial statements.
• Monitoring Business Activity: In cases involving business ownership, PIs may track undisclosed income or improper transactions.
• Identifying Fake Debt or Liabilities: Investigators help exposefabricated debts used to reduce the marital estate's value.

6. Protecting Clients from Stalking or Harassment

Unfortunately, some divorces involve harassment or threats. PIs can help protect clients by gathering evidence and ensuring safety.

How PIs Help:

• Documenting Harassment: PIs monitor and record instances of stalking, harassment, or intimidation by the opposing party.
• Conducting Security Sweeps: They can inspect for tracking devices or spyware if a client suspects their former spouse is monitoring them.
• Providing Expert Testimony: PIs can testify in court, presenting evidence of harassment or illegal surveillance.

7. Providing Credible, Court-Admissible Evidence

A key benefit of working with PIs is that they provide legally obtained, court-admissible evidence. Divorce lawyers can use this evidence to:

• Strengthen financial claims (e.g., proving hidden income or assets)
• Support custody arguments with documented evidence of parental fitness issues
• Expose misconduct or fraud that may influence court rulings

Why Divorce Lawyers Use PIs and Skip Tracers

Private investigators and skip tracers are invaluable allies in divorce litigation. Their ability to uncover hidden truths, locate missing individuals, and gather compelling evidence gives divorce lawyers the tools they need to advocate effectively for their clients.

If you're going through a divorce and suspect hidden assets, misconduct, or deception, working with a law firm that collaborates with experienced investigators can protect your interests and strengthen your case.

Need legal support for your divorce?
Contact Shakhan & Wilkerson Law today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can use every legal tool available—including private investigators—to fight for your rights.