Matrimonial & Relationship Investigations

What matrimonial investigation covers

• Fidelity investigation — covert observation of meetings, locations, and patterns of behaviour, with photographic and video evidence where appropriate;
• Concealed-finance investigation — pre-divorce evidence-gathering on undisclosed assets, second properties, business interests, and lifestyle inconsistent with stated income;
• Background investigation of a new partner — for clients who have met someone recently and want a discreet check before things progress;
• Co-habitation evidence — for spousal-maintenance or financial-remedy proceedings where the question of whether a former partner is now cohabiting is material;
• Reports for use in proceedings — structured for disclosure under family-court rules and for instructing solicitors.

Before gathering anything yourself, read our guide on evidence for the family court: some of what separating couples collect does real damage to the case it was meant to help, and the guide on phone records and messages explains why we will not obtain them.

How we work with you on a sensitive matter

Most matrimonial enquiries arrive with a real concern about being found out — by the subject, by family, by anyone who shares a household with you. Our discretion and client security page explains agreed contact arrangements and the records that payments can leave. We cannot guarantee that contact leaves no trace on a device or account someone else can access. Read the guidance before getting in touch, particularly if you share devices or accounts.

Before any work commences, we will confirm:

• A safe channel to contact you, and a safe time to do it;
• Payment options and statement descriptions — card payments are available with a discreet description. We explain what to expect before you pay. Bank transfers may show Harwick Intelligence Limited;
• A challenge word if you are concerned about impersonation by a hostile party.

How surveillance is kept lawful and proportionate

Surveillance is covert and proportionate. We will not undertake surveillance that constitutes harassment, that targets a child, that would interfere with a non-molestation order, or that goes beyond what is necessary to answer the question you have asked us. We assess data protection, privacy, and harassment law in the relevant jurisdiction. Private investigators have no state surveillance powers.

Where a finding of fact is required for family-court proceedings, our reports and witness statements are prepared in the form expected by the family bar. For our full process, see how we work.