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 how we reduce unwanted exposure through discreet billing and agreed contact arrangements. 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 agree:
- A safe channel to contact you, and a safe time to do it;
- A discreet billing reference that does not describe the work, although the payment will still appear on your statement;
- 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. The work operates within the boundaries of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, the Human Rights Act 1998, and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
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.
Common questions
Will my partner find out I contacted you?
We agree how and when it is safe to contact you. Our line is answered simply as “Harwick” and billing appears under a neutral reference. These measures reduce the risk of unwanted disclosure, but contact can still leave records on shared devices, accounts or statements. Read our discretion and client security page before getting in touch.Is it legal to have my partner followed?
Covert observation is lawful when it is proportionate and answers a specific question. We will not undertake surveillance that amounts to harassment, targets a child or interferes with a non-molestation order, and we work within the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and the Human Rights Act 1998.Can the evidence be used in divorce or financial proceedings?
Yes. Reports and witness statements are prepared in the form expected by the family bar and structured for disclosure under family-court rules. If you already have a solicitor, we can be instructed through them.More general questions about cost, timescales and evidence are answered on our FAQs page.