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Divorce

private investigator

A private investigator or private detective is a person who secretly follows and observes persons in public places for the purpose of witnessing behavior and collecting evidence of any illegal or improper activities (photos, videos, etc.). During the divorce process a spouse who suspects their spouse of cheating (adultery) or other improper or illegal behavior may hire a private investigator to follow or “tail” the other spouse.

In Ohio, private investigators are regulated under state law and must be licensed to legally conduct surveillance and investigative work. The Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapter 4749 requires private investigators to obtain a license from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Private Investigator Security Guard Services (PISGS). To be eligible for a license, applicants must meet certain requirements, including passing a criminal background check and completing specified training or having equivalent experience. When hired during a divorce process to gather evidence of adultery or other improper behavior, private investigators must operate within the bounds of the law, which means they cannot trespass on private property, engage in illegal wiretapping, or violate an individual's reasonable expectation of privacy. Evidence gathered legally by a private investigator can be used in court proceedings, including divorce cases, to support claims of adultery or other misconduct that may affect the outcome of the divorce settlement.

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Divorce

private investigator

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Divorce

private investigator