Investigating a cheating spouse and/or partner is a delicate matter. Several important factors need to be considered beforehand to increase the odds of getting the proof you are seeking and to ensure that what the investigator finds is going to meet your needs.
Courts in South Carolina use a two-pronged test to rule on allegations of adultery. The first element you must prove is inclination, or motive. This can be a multitude of things such as letters, emails, text, hugs, holding hands, kissing, internet post, telephone records, credit card statements, eye witness’s accounts, etc. Only having one of these is often not enough evidence you will need. You’re trying to establish evidence of sexual desire. There are a wide variety of things that can establish this.
Second element in the two-pronged test is opportunity. You need to show that your spouse was alone with their lover in a private place for a sufficient period of time to consummate the affair. This can be practically anywhere two people could have a sexual encounter.
Most attorneys will advise clients not to follow their spouses themselves. Amateur surveillance could lead to trouble because of South Carolina privacy law. Individuals could be charged with a variety of things such as stalking, harassment to name a few and it’s a quick way to receive a restraining order! This is why it’s always best to hire a private investigator. A private investigator’s findings always have more credence in court.
Bulldog PI always suggest you speak with your attorney prior to any decision of this magnitude. If you think you’re stressed or angry now, try walking into a court room with a case filled with holes. You want go to court knowing you have all the power and the ability to protect yourself. Nobody says you have to use all your evidence but it’s nice to know you have it when you need it or your forced to use it.
Understand that going through a divorce is a fight than can destroy your career, your financial stability, retirement, relationship with your children to name a few. Be smart with your decisions. You might be reading this from another location where hiring Bulldog PI is not practical. Feel free to call us if you have questions regarding your case or if you feel you’re not getting the right PI company on your case. We would be glad to help and it won’t cost you a dime. Going through a divorce is costing you enough and getting a bad PI and bad advice can make an already difficult situation even worse!