Many clients ask about whether they can hire a private investigator to catch their spouses cheating. The answer is yes, you can hire a private investigator, and the evidence can be used in court. However, the next question begs answering – is it worth it to hire one?
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Hiring a Private Investigator
Adultery is one of the grounds for divorce Texas, and legally speaking, if you can actually prove that your spouse had sexual intercourse with someone else during your marriage, the judge may grant the divorce in your favor.
However, it’s important to understand that the courts may not place too much importance on adultery in divorce cases. In other words, even if you hired a private investigator, obtained convincing evidence (anything short of evidence of actual intercourse may not suffice), and showed it the court, it may not affect the outcome of your property division settlement anyway. While there are of course exceptions, a judge may not disproportionately distribute marital property solely on the basis of infidelity.
When a Private Investigator Might be Beneficial
There are certain aspects of a case that may benefit more from hiring an investigator, though.
A private investigator can help:
- locate hidden assets;
- prove discrepancies in your spouse’s income and employment; and
- document any harmful practices that might be used in a custody case.
So while hiring a private investigator to catch your spouse cheating might not be the best use of your resources, there may be other situations where a private investigator can be very instrumental.
Consulting a Dallas Divorce Attorney
Divorces – particularly contested divorces – can get complicated and ugly in a hurry. Make sure you have legal counsel before attempting to prove your case on your own in court. For legal counsel in Dallas, call Warren & Migliaccio. Contact us today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation at (888) 584-9614.
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