There is no trust more important than the trust that cements a personal relationship. When trust in a relationship is suspected to be broken, the uncertainty can be devastating. Suspicion is insidious. Suspicion alone can destroy a relationship. Even a long-standing and previously solid marriage is endangered.
Discretion is Paramount
Not all suspicions turn out to be sustained as verified or even verifiable facts. It’s imperative for an investigator to conduct research and/or surveillance in a manner that protects the interests of both the client and the subject of the investigation. Even where the result of an investigation proves illicit conduct, discretion and observance of law are critical.
Observance of law is an important element in any investigation related to family matters. For example, an investigator may accept and research bank statements provided by a client who, as a member of a household, has a legal right to such records, but an investigator may not impersonate someone in order to obtain those records.
Any deviation from accepted professional practice and ethical standards can taint even good evidence. Certainly, professional or ethical violations can lead to the exposure of the fact of the investigation to the subject of the investigation and expose the investigator’s employer to unwarranted consequences.