This is the twelfth installment in the excellent series of posts by Michael Sherman of the Alabama Family Law Blog on the steps to take when it becomes apparent that a divorce may be imminent. His series takes an honest, practical approach in showing people how to protect their interests and make prudent preparations in such a situation. Here is Step 12 – Consider Hiring a Private Investigator:
We continue our series on practical steps to consider when you are facing an imminent divorce. We are now on to Step 12 – Consider hiring a private investigator.
Alabama law does consider “fault” when deciding how to divide property in a divorce. Additionally, depending on the facts, adultery can affect custody determinations.
If your spouse is committing adultery, then you are better off having proof of it then not. This is the case even where you fully intend to settle your case. In fact, often having proof of an affair is what gets the case settled at terms that are fair to you.
It is not fun to find out your spouse has cheated, and you may be like many of my clients who have said they would rather not know. But, you should think carefully before making that decision. Talk to your lawyer. Assuming you’ve chosen a good one, listen to their advice. If you are going to get proof of it, now is the time. Your lawyer should be able to talk to you about the costs involved (it is not cheap) and how to improve your chances of making the surveillance effective, should you choose to go that route.
Source: "Step 12 – Consider Hiring a Private Investigator" by Michael Sherman, published at his Alabama Family Law Blog.