Nashville Child Custody Investigators Documented facts, not accusations.

Yes, documented factual observation is regularly used to support custody modification and enforcement matters in Tennessee. Courts decide parenting questions using the best-interest factors at T.C.A. § 36-6-106, and dated observation of what actually happens during parenting time speaks directly to several of them. Whether a particular exhibit is admitted is for the court and your attorney, so we prepare reports with that use in mind.

No. Observation is discreet and conducted from public vantage points, and the point is to record normal circumstances rather than a reaction to being watched. Our investigators make no contact with the other parent, the child or anyone else in the household.

No, and any investigator who offers to should be avoided. We never approach, interview or interact with a child. Beyond the ethical problem, interviewing a child can taint their account, expose you to an accusation of coaching and do real damage to your position in the case.

It gets reported. Tennessee law requires reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, and a private engagement does not override that. Anything appearing to endanger a child is reported to the Department of Children's Services and, where appropriate, to law enforcement, immediately. If you believe your child is in immediate danger right now, call 911 first.

Not to have a conversation with us, but it is strongly preferable. An investigation aimed at what your attorney actually needs for a modification or enforcement petition is far more useful than general documentation, and counsel can advise on how findings should be introduced. We are glad to speak with your attorney directly.

Usually two to four. One occasion establishes an incident; several establish a pattern, and a pattern is what persuades a court. Exchange-focused observation tends to be the most efficient, because exchanges are scheduled and a lot becomes visible in a short, predictable window.

Often, yes. Cohabitation is usually established through observation of overnight vehicle presence, comings and goings over several days, and public records tying the person to the address. We document what was observed and let your attorney argue what it means.

That is residence verification, and it is a common request. It combines records research with field confirmation to establish where the parent and child are actually living, which matters in relocation disputes and where a filed address appears doubtful.

We can document observable facts, for example a parent leaving a bar and then driving with a child in the vehicle. What we cannot do is test anyone, diagnose a substance problem or state an opinion about addiction. Courts have their own evaluation and testing mechanisms, and your attorney can ask for them.

It is quoted per case based on the number of observation periods required. Exchange-focused work is usually the most economical, and we will tell you honestly how many occasions your situation is likely to need. If your budget is limited, documenting two occasions properly is a better investment than thin coverage across six.

Commissioning a lawful, professional investigation is ordinary practice in contested custody matters, and the resulting report reflects observed facts rather than accusation. What does damage a parent's position is unlawful conduct — trespass, recording a child, device access, approaching the child — which is exactly what we refuse to do.

Yes. A documented record that you are complying with the parenting plan, that your household is what you have represented, and that the allegations are not supported by observation is just as valuable as evidence pointing the other way. The methodology does not change with which side engages us.

Usually within days, and timing is normally driven by the parenting schedule rather than our availability — if the next exchange is Friday, that is when the first observation happens. Call (629) 310-8667 with the schedule and we will map the first period on that call.