Specialty tag(s): Divorce
Ryan R. Bauerle | June 24, 2025
One of the most common questions in family law is whether it’s worth hiring a private investigator for a divorce. The answer depends on your unique situation, but in some cases, a private investigator can help uncover facts that tip the scales during negotiations or court proceedings.
A divorce private investigator is hired to gather information that may be relevant in court or during settlement negotiations. This can include:
A private investigator for a divorce can provide objective, court-admissible evidence that strengthens your position, especially when it’s your word against your spouse’s.
Yes. Hiring a private investigator for a divorce is completely legal in Texas, as long as they’re properly licensed. Like any other professional, though, a private investigator is still bound by state and federal laws. This means they cannot illegally wiretap phones, trespass on private property, or do anything else that violates the law. However, within these limits, private investigators can gather powerful, relevant information that could significantly affect the outcome of your case.
Absolutely. In a high-net-worth divorce, a private investigator can be used to locate undisclosed financial accounts, trace suspicious asset transfers, or verify a spouse’s hidden income sources. Should a private investigator uncover any of these things, the findings can have a direct impact on property division.
Hiring a private investigator for a divorce can also be a good idea if one parent suspects the other of neglect, substance abuse, or endangering behavior. A private investigator can document this activity so that it can be presented as hard evidence during custody cases. As the safety and well-being of the child are always the court’s priority, this evidence can drastically influence custody decisions.
Before hiring a private investigator for a divorce, it’s essential to ask:
Private investigators can be costly, so it’s important to make a strategic decision based on the potential impact on your case.
If you believe a private investigator could benefit your case, speak with your family law attorney first. They can help you decide whether a private investigator is necessary, recommend licensed professionals for specific types of cases, and ensure that the private investigator is comfortable testifying if needed. Contact us today to speak with a Goranson Bain Ausley attorney, like Ryan Bauerle, to see if hiring a PI is the right step for your case.
Our attorneys are experienced in all aspects of family law and will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you have the information you need to make wise decisions and prepare for the future.
At Goranson Bain Ausley, we strive to deliver clarity about what comes next and confidence that you and your family’s future are more secure. Contact our team and discover how we can help you.
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