When to Use a Private Investigator in a Florida Family Law Case

At Family Matters Law Group, we believe that good strategy requires good information—and sometimes, that information needs to come from a licensed private investigator (PI). In fact, we've personally used PIs in three of the four scenarios I'm going to share with you today. So, if you're wondering whether hiring one is worth it in your divorce, custody, or alimony case—the answer might surprise you.

Here are four powerful ways a private investigator can make a difference in your Florida family law case:

1. Uncovering Hidden Assets

Let's be honest: Some people go to great lengths to hide money when divorce is on the table. They might transfer funds to family members, use crypto accounts, stash cash, or underreport income through their business. While financial affidavits and subpoenas are great tools, they only work if the other party complies—or if you know where to look.

A skilled private investigator knows how to find the digital and paper trails of hidden assets. They can uncover undisclosed bank accounts, offshore holdings, luxury purchases, and even evidence of under-the-table income. This can directly impact equitable distribution, child support, and alimony.

Florida law requires full financial disclosure. But if someone's lying? A PI may be your best shot at proving it.

2. Proving Parenting Plan Violations

One of the most emotional aspects of any family law case is child custody and time-sharing. Unfortunately, we've seen too many situations where a parent agrees to a schedule or parenting plan—and then breaks it repeatedly.

Whether it's violating the right of first refusal, exposing the child to unsafe individuals, or failing to follow supervised visitation requirements, documentation matters. But your word versus theirs often won't cut it. A PI can document exchanges, observe conduct, and provide timestamped evidence that holds up in court.

3. Ensuring Evidence Is Admissible

Here's something most people don't realize: how you collect evidence is just as important as what the evidence is. That screenshot you took? It may be excluded. The audio recording you made? Possibly illegal.

Private investigators follow chain-of-custody protocols, collect data legally, and provide reports that can be admitted as evidence. They understand the rules of evidence in Florida courts. Their neutrality and professionalism make them ideal for situations where emotions run high and proof is everything.

4. Documenting Cohabitation to Modify or End Alimony

If you're paying permanent or long-term alimony, and your ex has moved in with a new partner, you may have grounds to reduce or terminate your alimony obligation—but you need solid proof. Simply knowing they're together isn't enough.

Florida courts require evidence that the cohabitation is financially supportive or equivalent to a remarriage. A PI can help establish this by documenting shared expenses, living arrangements, and patterns of behavior that support your petition.

How to Know If You Need a PI in Your Case

You probably don't need a PI if you and your ex are cooperating, being honest, and playing fair. But if something feels off—if money is vanishing, parenting time is being ignored, or someone's pretending to live alone when they're not—don't rely on guesswork.

We'll never recommend hiring a PI without a reason. But when it's time? We've seen firsthand the difference it can make.

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Family Matters Law Group, P.A.

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