Spartanburg Divorce Lawyer & Attorney : Stevens-MacPhail Law Firm : South Carolina Family Law Serving Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Hilton Head Island

Adultery is still one of the leading causes of divorce in South Carolina, and many of these affairs begin online.  Noted private investigator Bill Mitchell has published an article discussing the following 10 Clues of An Online Affair:

1. Your spouse or partner spends excessive time surfacing the internet.
2. Passwords, instant message “buddy lists”, internet email accounts and emails are concealed or even protected from you.
3. Your partner abruptly shuts off the internet and/or computer when you approach.
4. The computer and monitor are always positioned to avoid your scrutiny.
5. The internet history is cleared every day, including chat sessions, instant messaging, or your spouse downloads software that automatically rids this information.
   
6. Your spouse uses the computer after you go to bed, when you fall asleep, or in the middle of the night.
7. Your Spouse exhibits a compulsive need to be online and seems defensive when confronted to stop.
8. Your spouse shares personal information, photos or events with strangers online.
9. He/she plays online games and frequents “personals” chatrooms.
   
10. Your spouse exhibits the eight warning signs illustrated in “The More You Know – Getting the evidence and support you need to investigate a troubled relationship.”

Please note that these above-listed items are discussed in much more detail in Mr. Mitchell's article.  If you suspect that your spouse may be having an online affair (or if you know someone else in that situation), please check out his article for yourself.

Source:  "10 Clues of An Online Affair - Catch A Cheating Spouse!" by Bill Mitchell, published at his Adultery, Infidelity, Affairs, Cheating Spouse, Divorce, Investigations blog.

• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

The Spartanburg County Detention Facility recently introduced a new feature on its website to enable anyone to search its online records (including mug shots) of its inmates. You can search alphabetically or by booking date. These records are updated regularly, and they are searchable back to September of 2007, whether the inmate is currently incarcerated or not.  You can visit the Jail's website by clicking HERE.

• Print
• Comments (1)
• Trackbacks

A researcher has found that young female lawyers and other women professionals have slightly higher divorce rates than their male counterparts.

Law professor Robin Fretwell Wilson of Washington & Lee University is the author of the study. She says her study indicates that "women can't have it all because there is a social stigma to having or being a stay-at-home spouse."

Wilson spoke with the Wall Street Journal about her findings, based on her analysis of 100,000 young professionals in business, law and medicine. She found that 10 percent of women with law degrees were divorced, compared to 7 percent of male lawyers.

Wilson’s study, which will be released next week, also found that female professionals are up to three times more likely to remain unmarried than men.

Economist Sylvia Ann Hewlett, who conducted research on high-achieving women in 2001, theorizes that highly educated women have higher divorce rates than their male counterparts because they are attracted to successful men, and can’t give these men the care and support they need.

Hewlett has this advice for well-educated, high-earning women: Look for a husband who is particularly loving and supportive.

Source:  "Women Lawyers Have Higher Divorce Rates, Need Loving Husbands, Researcher Says" by Debra Cassens Weiss, published in the ABA Journal Weekly Newsletter.

• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

The South Carolina Bar's Law Related Education Division has launched LawForKids.org, America's first stand alone web site dedicated to teaching children about the law.  The Site was made possible by collaboration with the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education and an IOLTA grant from the SC Bar.  The specific goal of this site is educating children, their parents, communities, and schools to increase their knowledge about youth laws and to encourage law-abiding behavior.  You can visit the site by clicking HERE.

• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

A new study is challenging the notion that parents who divorce exhibit a diminished capacity to parent in the period following divorce.  This large study conducted by the University of Alberta has found that divorce does not change parenting behavior, and that there are actually more similarities than differences in parenting between recently divorced and married parents.

Source:  "Parenting Practices Don't Suffer During Divorce, According To Large Study" published at ScienceDaily.  Thanks to the Kramer Vs. blog for its post on this subject.

• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

Bill Mitchell, Seven-Day Detective, recently stressed the importance of having the necessary proof to win your court case.  He emphasized the importance of being able to actually prove your case when you get to court.  In any contested case, "time is of the essence and how you deal with your suspicions is absolutely critical."  His article reminds everyone that the Court realizes that the testimony of a party and his/her family is biased and that friends may not know how to obtain the most helpful evidence.  He also advises that you choose your experts carefully and carefully check their credentials.  You should read Mr. Mitchell's article for more helpful information on this subject.

Source:  "Signs of Affair Never Win in Court! Get the Proof Instead!" by Bill Mitchell, posted at his Adultery, Infidelity, Affairs, Cheating Spouse, Divorce, Investigations blog.

• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

The American Bar Association's Section of Family Law publishes charts in its Family Law Quarterly which summarize the basic laws in each state by topic, including custody, alimony and grounds for divorce.  These charts are current as of November 2006, and they are useful as a quick reference to both attorneys and clients.  Charts are available on the following subjects:

• Alimony/Spousal Support Factors
  
• Custody Criteria
  
• Child Support Guidelines
  
• Grounds for Divorce and Residency Requirements
  
• Property Division
  
• Third-Party Visitation
  
• Appointment Laws in Adoption, Guardianship, and Parentage Cases
  
• Download All Charts

Source: Thanks to John Harding for his article on this subject published at his California Divorce Blawg.

• Print
• Comments (1)
• Trackbacks

I have previously posted several articles which address the importance of finding hidden assets in divorce cases (here, here, here, here, and here).  Michael Sherman published the following insightful article on this subject last week which puts a personal spin on this issue:

In your divorce case, you may hear your lawyer talk about the "discovery process."  Discovery is essentially the legal process by which lawyers can obtain information necessary for your case (such as assets, debts, income, and other factual information).  This often will involve written requests to your spouse to produce certain documents, a request for them to file written answers to the lawyer's written questions (called interrogatories), subpoenas for documents from banks, credit card companies, etc.

Often lawyers will use multiple methods of discovery in an effort to obtain complete information.  I have had clients ask me not to pursue discovery for fear of the costs that would be incurred.  This is often short sighted.  An example from a recent case I had is instructive.

I was representing a wife in a divorce case.  The husband had complete control of all of the finances and the wife was not even aware of all of the assets.  Through the discovery we sent to the husband he produced a spreadsheet that he claimed were the assets.  The wife was surprised at the amount of assets that were disclosed.  They were much more than she thought they had.  But, the husband showed what he claimed to be the fair market value and the loans owed on them.  In all, he showed a net equity of less than $500,000.  It was more than the wife suspected, but something told me it was less than it should be.  So, we subpoenaed his bank records.

The bank produced documents to us that included the husband's loan application and the net worth statement that he provided to the bank.  And, you've probably guessed the punch line - the net worth statement he provided to the bank included assets that he had not disclosed on the financial statement he provided to us, and the values were higher.  In all, the difference was that he showed a net worth on the financial statement provided to the bank that was nearly $2.5 million dollars - increasing the marital estate for the divorce judge to divide by about $2 million!

My client now understands it was to her benefit to make sure we did a thorough job of discovery.  Obviously this example (though completely true) is not what usually happens - at least not to this degree.  But, the lesson is a good one - make sure that your lawyer does a thorough job of discovery.  And, make sure that you let him.

Source:  "Discovering Hidden Assets" by Michael Sherman, published at his Alabama Family Law Blog.

• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

Technology is changing the way that people divorce.  In the old days, if you suspected your spouse of being unfaithful, you would hire a private investigator, who would follow your spouse to see exactly what he/she was up to. 

Today, there are many options available to those who suspect their spouse may be cheating.  For instance, The New York Times published an article that looked at digital evidence, such as email messages, history of Web site visits, and cellular telephone records.  Better private investigators now frequently use GPS tracking systems to gain information to aid in their surveillance.

Parties sometimes even use somewhat "questionable" methods of obtaining information about their spouses' activities, such as hacking into email accounts, loading spy software onto computers, and/or placing recording devices on phone lines.  I should point out that these types of methods could result in liability for criminal prosecution and should therefore be avoided.

In my practice, I have noticed that cheating spouses will often take steps to attempt to cover their tracks.  For instance, they may clear their call histories on their cellular phones, delete their internet history, delete emails from both their inbox and trash folders, and/or change their passwords on various accounts.

Resourceful attorneys can issue subpoenas to obtain the opposing party's cellular telephone records, credit card records, and even bank account records to help uncover an unfaithful spouse's activities.  I regularly discuss these types of issues with my clients in certain types of cases, and these methods can yield fruitful results.

If you want more information on this topic, you should read "Tell-All PCs and Phones Transforming Divorce" by Brad Stone, published in The New York Times.  As mentioned above, this article gives several real world examples of how parties and attorneys are dealing with these evolving technology issues in divorce cases.

• Print
• Comments (1)
• Trackbacks

Cheating spouses now have one more way to get caught in their philandering.  Electronic toll collection systems are emerging as a powerful means of proving infidelity.  Attorneys can obtain records from these services and use that information to prove that a spouse was not where he/she claimed to be. 

The Associated Press reports that agencies in seven of the twelve states surveyed indicated that they would provide electronic toll information in response to court orders in criminal and civil cases, including divorces.  Even if the state agency refuses to provide the information, it can frequently be obtained from the other spouse through the normal discovery process.

Source:  "Toll Records Trip Up Philanderers" by Chris Newmarker, published at The Huffington Post.

• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

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.

• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

Lifehacker.com, the outstanding software and productivity blog, recently published an article describing several free online resources to assist in finding public records information online.  Among the categories discussed in this article are:

• Vital Records
• Phone Books
• Professional Licenses
• Criminal Records
• Obituaries
• Military Records
• Immigration Records
• Other (Google and Zabasearch)

These resources can prove valuable when trying to locate or obtain information about a party or witness in a Family Court action.  In cases where clients have limited financial resources, utilizing these sites can sometimes avoid (or reduce) the need for a private investigator.

Source:  "Where to Find Public Records Online" by Wendy Boswell, published at Lifehacker.com.

• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

Experienced family law attorneys know that it is sometimes necessary or desirable to hire other professionals to assist with particular issues in domestic cases.  Of course, the types of professionals  and tasks to be performed will vary, depending on the issues involved in each specific case.  Other professionals commonly used include:

• The professionals most commonly used in Family Court cases are private investigators.  Not only can these professionals be very helpful in obtaining information about a spouse’s misconduct, they can also help with many other types of issues, such as child custody and visitation cases.
• Mental health counselors are also helpful in many cases. These professionals can include psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed social workers, and custody evaluators.  Their services provided range widely and include psychological evaluations, anger management, conflict resolution, child counseling, domestic violence, and parenting issues.
• If parties cannot agree on the value of an asset, it may be necessary to hire an appraiser. Typically, the first type of appraiser that comes to mind is a real estate appraiser. However, there are also professional appraisers who can value anything from antiques, equipment, furniture, or collections to retirement accounts.
• Accountants are used in many Family Court cases when difficult financial issues arise. The most common areas in which an accountant can be beneficial are (a) determining the income of a self-employed individual, (b) valuing a retirement account, and (c) determining the value of a business entity.

If any of these issues arise in your family law case, your attorney will generally be able to refer you to a qualified professional.  Our firm, like most attorneys, strive to do everything we can to ensure that our clients receive excellent service, not only from us, but also from the other professionals with whom we work.

• Print
• Comments (1)

I recently represented a man in a contested divorce and child custody case.  The facts were strongly in our favor, partially due to the woman's questionable conduct during the marriage.  During the trial, things continued to go in our favor and against the woman, and it was obvious to everyone in the courtroom that her frustration level continued to increase.

Upon direct examination by the woman's attorney, she began to list her many complaints against my client.  After several minutes of this, she proclaimed that he was "the devil."  She paused for a moment, and she then said that the person sitting beside him (me) was "the devil" too. 

Now, I have been called many names during my professional career outside of court.  In fact, I dare say that I have been called pretty much every name under the sun.  Practicing in an adversarial system, people typically either love me or hate me -- depending on whether they were my client or the opposing party.  However, this was the first time that I have been called a name like this on the record. 

Of course, word has quickly spread of this new moniker, and I had another attorney greet me last week by stating "well, if it isn't the devil himself" (followed by a quick grin and chuckle).  I have warned the court reporter that she might be inundated with requests for that portion of the transcript.  My wife has also enjoyed this new "title" for me at home as well.

When the trial judge was announcing his decision at the end of the trial, he listed the wife's demeanor during trial and her obvious intense hatred of her husband as reasons that he awarded custody to my client.  In fact, the judge stated that he believed that if custody was awarded to the wife, she would take steps to insure that the children were alienated from their father and that she would work to destroy their relationship with him.

There are two morals to be learned from this story:

1. Your bad actions and/or misdeeds can (and usually do) come back to haunt you at trial.  I typically advise my clients to assume that they are always being recorded and not to do or say anything outside of court that they wouldn't want the judge to see/hear.
2. Even if things go against you during trial, you should remain calm, cool, and under control.  It will never benefit your case to call the other party names from the stand.  Instead, it will almost always backfire and result in you looking worse in the judge's eyes.

• Print
• Comments (3)

Bill Mitchell, Seven-Day Detective, says that the most commonly asked question he receives from potential clients is whether they should confront their spouses?  He doesn't recommend such confrontations, and he believes that such conversations are usually not productive because "cheating spouses lie."

Mr. Mitchell recommends that his clients pay particular attention to the spouse's activity and actions.  In other words, watch your spouse's behaviors rather than hearing verbal messages.  He also suggests analyzing records like phone bills, which can help convey a story and often give clues to either the identity of your spouse's paramour or days and times that your spouse is with that person.

Source:  "ADULTERY - Stop Asking Questions!" by Bill Mitchell, posted at his Adultery, Infidelity, Affairs, Cheating Spouse, Divorce, Investigations blog.

• Print
• Comments

In several cities throughout South Carolina (including Spartanburg), an outfit called “A Divorce Fast” is advertising legal services in the attorney listings in the Yellow Pages.  Apparently, this company provides draft legal forms to the public for a fee, but it is not affiliated with any law firm and employs no lawyers.  The worst part is that the Clerks of Court do not accept those documents as a valid filing, which means that consumers are being bilked out of their money with nothing to show for it.

The South Carolina Bar is supporting pending legislation (H. 3274) which would, among other things, make the unauthorized practice of law a civil cause of action.  I understand that this bill is scheduled to be in front of the House full Judiciary Committee tomorrow, but that it is meeting  with some resistance by the realtor and banking communities.  One would hope that our legislature would take this important step to assist the Bar in helping to protect consumers in South Carolina from unscrupulous companies such as “A Divorce Fast."

• Print
• Comments

Certain divorces or other family cases can benefit from the use of a private investigator.  Investigators can be very helpful in obtaining documentation regarding lifestyle, assets, income, roomates, friends, paramour and parents, including their criminal history, work history, demonstrating hidden affluence, locating and interviewing witnessess, and obtaining information regarding abuse or neglect.

The best way to select and hire an investigator is to find someone referred to you by a lawyer.  You can also look in the yellow pages, and remember that these investigators typically do more family work.  You should insist on an investigator who is licensed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.  Beyond that, there are several advanced certifications which may distinguish one investigator from another, such as the national designation of Professional Licensed Investigator (PLI) or Certified Legal Investigator (CLI).

When hiring a private investigator, costs are always a consideration.  Costs for a private investigator in South Carolina can vary widely, but they are typically in the $50 to $75 per hour range.  You have the right to a written contract at the time you are contracting the service.  The average for an infidelity surveillance typically run about $1,500 to $2,500 to have a real chance of likely success.

In every family law case, whether divorce or child custody/visitation case, there are issues of both law and fact.  Private investigators can help make the facts become clearer.  Solid, verifyable facts can affect the outcome of cases. Even the greatest attorney in the world wants facts on their side, and hiring a private investigator may be the best way to get those facts brought to light.

Source:  This article was adapted from the article "Hiring a Private Investigator For Your Texas Divorce or Texas Family Law Case" by Sean Y. Palmer, published at his Texas Family Law Resource blog.

• Print
• Comments (2)

A recent study by the National Institutes of Health found that children who had quality child care before kindergarten had better vocabulary scores by fifth grade, but the more time they spent in child care, the more likely their sixth grade teachers were to report problem behaviors.  As expected, the children's parents’ guidance and their genes had by far the strongest influence on how children behaved.

You can read much more about this study at the following links:

• Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development 
• "Poor Behavior Is Linked to Time in Day Care" by Benedict Carey, published in The New York Times
• "Study Links Child Care to Acting Out" by Kevin Freking, published by the Associated Press

• Print
• Comments

Parents are moving today more than ever.  In fact, I receive calls almost every week about these "parental relocation cases."  One of the (many) issues that the Court considers in such cases is the quality of the schools in each location. 

Fortunately, it is now easier than ever to find out necessary information about educational institutions located far away, thanks to Yahoo Real Estate.  This free service allows you to research both public and private schools in any state by city name or even by zip code.

The information provided includes contact information, enrollment, student to teacher ratio, and location on an interactive map.  There are also reports available on the school's test scores, students, and teachers.  This resource can prove extremely helpful as a starting point when a child's eduction is at issue, and I urge you to check it out.

Source:  "Find School Info With Yahoo School Search" by Wendy Boswell, publishd at LifeHacker.

• Print
• Comments (2)

Just this past week, attorney Daniel C. Nunley of Tulsa, OK began publishing the Oklahoma Family Law Blog.  One of his first posts addresses what to do if you suspect your spouse is cheating.  Mr. Nunley recommends that spouses who find themselves in that difficult position take the following steps:

1. Consider hiring a private investigator to confirm or dismiss your suspicions.  Not only can proof of adultery be used as a ground for divorce, but it also affects other issues from division of assets and debts to child custody to attorney's fees.  Mr. Nunley also recommends that you not try to hire the cheapest detective you can find and that allow your attorney to help you find a qualified private investigator.
2. Visit your family doctor and get tested for sexually transmitted diseases.  This is great advice, which is often overlooked in such situations.  You should realize that you have no idea of the sexual history of the person with whom your spouse is having a sexual affair.  If you have been exposed to a STD, the sooner you can begin treatment.  You may have additional causes of action against your spouse for exposing you to a STD, and you should discuss that possibility with your attorney.
   

Of course, I concur with this excellent advice.  If you haven't already added his blog to your newsreader, you should consider doing so because it already has several interesting and helpful posts.  The South Carolina Family Law Blog welcomes Mr. Nunley to the blogosphere, and I hope he keeps up the great work.

Source:  "2 Things to Do If You Suspect Your Spouse is Cheating" by Daniel C. Nunley, published at the Oklahoma Family Law Blog.

• Print
• Comments (2)

One of the questions that family law attorneys are frequently asked is whether telephone calls can legally be recorded.  One might think that this is a relatively simple question, but the correct answer is not always apparent and often depends on many factors.  Also, it is important to note that the wrong answer may result in criminal charges. 

For those reasons, it is extremely important that you discuss these issues thoroughly with your attorney before attempting to record any such calls.  If you are interested in getting general information on this topic, you can read A Practical Guide to Taping Phone Calls and In-Person Conversations in the 50 States and D.C. from The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

• Print
• Comments

Healthcare questions frequently arise in Family Court cases.  The topics can range from sexual health to substance abuse (alcohol and/or drugs) to emotional health to relationships to general health.  Fortunately, there is a free online resource, which can assist both parties and their attorneys with such issues.

Go Ask Alice! is an online health question and answer service provided by Columbia University's Health Promotion Program.  Anyone can anonymously submit questions, which will be answered by Columbia University health educators, health care providers, and other health professionals, along with information and research specialists from health-related organizations worldwide.  You can also search the existing archives for answers to previously submitted questions.

Source:  "Go Ask Alice for Medical Advice" by Rick Broida, published at Lifehacker.

• Print
• Comments

Results from the South Carolina Bar’s 2006 Judicial Evaluation Survey have been released. The survey rates 49 judges on the Court of Appeals, Circuit Court, and Family Court, as well as Masters-in-Equity, on professional attributes. Results are available online HERE.

• Print
• Comments

Last week, attorney Sheryl Schelin of Myrtle Beach, SC launched The SC Consumer and Bankruptcy Blog, which will focus on the following areas of law:  Credit and Collections Law, Bankruptcy Law, Identity Theft, Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices, Lemon Law, and Financial Services and Debt Management.

Ms. Schelin's blog is now the fourth legal blog in South Carolina, joining Dave Swanner's South Carolina Trial Law Blog, my SC Family Law Blog, and Bill Watkins' South Carolina Appellate Law Blog.  I welcome her new blog to the blogosphere, and I look forward to following its development over the coming months.

• Print
• Comments (1)

The National Law Journal reports that a recent survey by Ian Best of the 3L Epiphany blog found there were 32 blog citations in 27 court decisions in the last two years. The article's author stated that legal blogs have "come into their own in recent years among lawyers who use them to share with peers the latest developments in legal specialties."

The most noted citation found by Mr. Best was that of Justice John Paul Stevens in his dissent in an important sentencing decision, U.S. v. Booker, 543 U.S. 220 (2005), which cited Ohio State law Professor Douglas Berman's Sentencing Law and Policy blog.

The most recent citation appears to have been on July 31, 2006, where a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dissent by Judge Diarmuid O'Scannlain in Harper v. Poway Unified School Dist., 445 F.3d 1166, cited commentary on law Professor Eugene Volokh's blog, The Volokh Conspiracy, on viewpoint discrimination and the First Amendment.

There are many "scholarly" blogs out there, and I believe that these citations indicate that the Court is beginning to realize the excellent work being done on these blogs, especially those by law professors. I anticipate this trend continuing, with citations to blogs becoming much more frequent in the future.

Source: "Judges Cite More Blogs in Rulings" by Pamela A. MacLean, published at The National Law Journal (subscription required).

• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

Whether it is called a "questioning" (as in Canada) or a "deposition" (as here in South Carolina), the process can be quite intimidating.  Most people are not used to being placed under oath and asked very personal, difficult questions about themselves and their family unit.  If you do not know what to expect and/or are not prepared, it can be a disaster -- both for you and for your case.

Fortunately, help is available.  Your attorney should spend time with you prior to the deposition to explain the process, tell you what to expect, and answer your questions.  You can also use these eight excellent tips from the Ottawa Divorce Blog to help you survive and even succeed at your deposition:

1. Give Precise Answers. If you’re asked how much you earned last year, give a dollar figure. Don’t explain why it was higher or lower than usual, or that it included a bonus. If someone is holding a pen and you’re asked “Do you know what this is?” the correct answer is “yes” not “a pen.”
2. Tell the Truth. Don’t try to outsmart your spouse’s lawyer. Not that your spouse’s lawyer is smarter than you, but they’ve been through this a lot more than you have.
3. Prepare in Advance. Ideally you’d review every document that has been produced in your case. At a minimum, you should be familiar with your financial statement and all the pleadings. Take the time to have your lawyer do a mock questioning of you.
4. Anything You Say Can and Will Be Used Against You. Remember that your questioning can only be used by your spouse’s lawyer to help your spouse’s case. Your lawyer can’t use your questioning to help you. So, don’t worry about trying to argue your case. Just answer the questions you’re asked.
5. “I Don’t Remember” is a Dangerous Answer. Think long and hard before you answer a question with “I don’t remember” (or even “I don’t know”). The problem is that you can be sure your spouse will have a vivid memory of everything you forget. Even if what your spouse says is completely made up, you’ll have a hard time convincing a judge otherwise, because you’ve already sworn that you don’t remember.
6. You’re Not Stupid. Often a lawyer will use unfamiliar terms, sometimes purposefully to confuse you, but oftentimes simply out of habit. If you don’t understand what you’ve been asked, get it clarified. No one will think less of you if you do this, and you may be saving yourself from answering the wrong question.
7. Your Lawyer Can Only Help So Much. Your lawyer’s role is mainly to ensure that you’re not asked inappropriate questions. So, there may be large periods of time when all your lawyer seems to do is sit there and listen.
8. Don’t Answer Until the Question is Asked. In normal speech, we often start talking once we know what the other person is going to say. At questioning this is a problem, as a reporter will need to write down what two people are saying at once. It’s a good idea to speak loudly and clearly as well so that the reporter correctly records what you say.

Will you still be stressed even if you do all the above? Yes, and you probably won’t sleep well the night before, and after your questioning you’ll probably think of all sorts of better answers you could have given. That’s normal and happens to everyone. But if you keep these tips in mind, your questioning will go a lot more smoothly.

Source:  "How To Succed At Your Questioning (Examination for Discovery)" by Jeffrey Behrendt of the Ottawa Divorce Blog.

• Print
• Comments (2)

The Memphis, TN Daily News recently published an article, "Who's Your Daddy? It's Easier to Find Out Than You Think" by Andrew Ashby. This article contains a good discussion of modern DNA paternity testing, including the process and costs involved.

The article also references a company called TestExpress, which offers such tests for as little as $200 to $250 for a "non-legal test" to $525 for a test which includes a chain-of-custody form. This form is a legal document that shows when and where the sample was collected in case it's used for evidence at a hearing.

Source: Post by Stephen C. Knight at the Tennessee Divorce and Family Law Blog.

• Print
• Comments

Michael Sherman of the Alabama Family Law Blog recently answered this question as follows:

If one spouse in a divorce case wants to have the other spouse tested for drugs, they can file a motion and the Judge will decide whether to grant the request. Generally speaking, if custody or visitation is an issue, and there is some reason for suspecting abuse, the Judge will grant the request and require the drug test.

One warning that I give all my clients is that if they request a drug test, assume that the other side will also request one of them and that the Judge will order both parties to be tested. Too frequently I have had my own clients tell me they wanted their spouse tested and that they didn't mind taking a drug test themselves because there was no way the wouldn't pass it. Then inexplicably (the client is always shocked) their spouse passes and they fail.

Do not put yourself (and your lawyer) in that position. In our jurisdiction the Courts are requiring hair follicle tests which purportedly are more accurate and test back farther in time. Whether that is true or not, you don't want to test positive for drugs on the drug screen that you demanded be taken! Of course, the best advice here (particularly if custody of children is at issue) is that if you are using drugs, you don't need to have custody of your children. Or, the converse, if you want custody of your children, do not be using drugs.

• Print
• Comments (1)

Once you have made the decision to hire a private investigator, how do you go about it? AskMen.com published an article which wisely recommended the following steps: (Note: I have included excerpts from their article and my comments as well.

1. Where to look
   

   
   AskMen: Your best bet is to ask someone you trust wholeheartedly for a referral; the last thing you need is word getting around that you've hired a detective. If no one in your immediate circle has had to hire a gumshoe, you can always fall back on the Yellow Pages or the Internet. Keep in mind that you're best bet would be to hire a detective that is located in the area in which the search is going to occur.

   Stevens: Your attorney is almost always the best to ask which private investigator to use. If your attorney is experienced in family law cases, he will most likely have worked with all of your local investigative firms. He knows which firms do the best work and which are the easiest to work with. For instance, you can have a fantastic investigator who does a terrific job on your case, but it is virtually worthless to you if your attorney cannot get the necessary information from him when it is needed.

2. License status

   AskMen:

   • Besides Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, and South Dakota, all other states require that private investigators have a license issued by the government. The requirements to obtain such a license are usually quite rigorous and demand that the licensee has no criminal record. PIs must also pass state-specific tests to gauge their qualifications and experience. Some states, such as California, even demand that applicants have a minimum experience of three years in law enforcement.

   • Once you've located a detective you want to hire, ask to see his license and write down the number. It is illegal for a person to act as a private investigator without a license -- it's also illegal for you to hire an unlicensed person. It's definitely not worth the hassle. If the guy refuses to give you his number, walk away. Licenses for private dicks are public record so you can check the validity of your PI's license number quite easily. What you need to do is call your state's licensing authority. When you call, make sure the license hasn't expired, that the name provided matches your investigator's, and ask to see if any complaints have been filed against him.

   Stevens:

   • In South Carolina, private investigators are required to be licensed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). "Private investigation business" is defined as engaging in business or accepting employment to obtain or furnish information with reference to the: (1) identity, habits, conduct, business, occupation, honesty, integrity, credibility, knowledge, trustworthiness, efficiency, loyalty, activity, movement, whereabouts, affiliations, associations, transactions, acts, reputation, or character of a person; (2) location, disposition, or recovery of lost or stolen property; (3) cause or responsibility for fires, libels, losses, accidents, damage, or injury to persons or property; or (4) securing of evidence to be used in a criminal or civil proceeding, or before a board, an administrative agency, an officer, or investigating committee. (South Carolina Code Section 40-18-20)

   • The better private investigators in our state are members of SCALI, the South Carolina Association of Legal Investigators. For over twenty years, SCALI has worked to (a) promote & maintain the highest ethical practices in the profession of Private Investigations, (b) Further the spirit of cooperation & mutual assistance among Investigators, (c) further a mutual feeling of goodwill & friendship among Investigators, (d) monitor & take action on any legislation that may effect our profession, and (e) upgrade the professional standards of our organization and it's Members through continued education. You can visit SCALI's website to view their Code of Ethics, member directory, and other helpful information.

   • I agree with AskMen that you should verify the credentials of any investigator unless the investigator is someone that your attorney or you personally know. It is rare that some unscrupulous person would pose as a private investigator, but it is not unheard of. It certainly is not worth spending your money or risking your case on anyone less than an excellent investigator.
     In South Carolina, violation of the provisions of the above-referenced S.C. Code chapter is a misdemeanor and can result in a fine of up to five thousand dollars, up to one year in jail, or both. (South Carolina Code Section 40-18-150)

3. Insurance coverage

   AskMen: Although this may seem like a trivial, administrative nitpick, bonding and liability insurance coverage is one of the main elements you should lookout for when hiring a PI. Many jurisdictions insist that the licensee be covered by a policy covering a certain amount of money, since it's there to protect clients. It's also an interesting way of telling amateurs apart from professionals. Investigators who are serious about their trade have, for the most part, coverage as high as a million dollars. Since this coverage is also public record, you can make certain it exists.

   Stevens: All professionals should carry adequate insurance for their activities. The failure to do so may indicate that the company is a "fly by night" organization. Most top quality private investigators maintain over a million dollars in liability coverage. While South Carolina does not require private investigators to maintain liability insurance, they do require them to post a ten thousand dollar bond with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the bond must be issued by a surety insurer licensed to transact surety insurance in SC. (South Carolina Code Section 40-18-70(B))

4. Interview

   Now that you know the investigator is street legal, you need to make sure he's competent. A few minutes spent talking with him can be enough to make a sound decision.

   • Media attention
     

     
     AskMen: First of all, look for newspaper clippings or references on the Internet about him to see if he's been in the news. However, don't dismiss the person just because the media hasn't talked about him yet; he may willingly be keeping a low profile.

     Stevens: The best private investigators will generally have been publicly recognized for their work and their expertise. Among the private investigators that I regularly recommend, one has been featured numerous times on the local news and another has been featured on national talk shows. They were selected for this media attention because of their excellent work over many years. However, there is a fine line that investigators must walk with regard to media attention, and there can be too much of a good thing in that regard. For instance, if you have someone conducting surveillance on your spouse, you would hate for your spouse to notice the person because he/she was recently featured in the media. However, a quality investigator will be mindful of this aspect and will take steps to be as discreet as is necessary.

   • Specific experience

     AskMen: Because each case is different, ask if he has any experience with the type of investigation you're hiring him for. For example, if you need to have your cousin located and the PI is an expert at surveillance, he may not be the right man for the job.

     Stevens: Domestic cases are different from other types of cases and they can require more specialized techniques form the investigators. Following a cheating spouse can be a tricky business, especially if that spouse suspects that his wife might be aware of his affair. Investigative work in custody cases is that much more complex, because getting proof of the very unique circumstances that might be involved will take extra attention to detail to be done effectively.

   • Special skills

     AskMen: In addition to being licensed, your investigator may have another certification. For instance, the National Association of Legal Investigators awards a CLI (Certified Legal Investigator) certification to experts in that field. Detectives specializing in fraud get a CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) certification, which is granted by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

     Stevens: Depending on the needs of your particular case, it might be worthwhile to find an investigator with more specialized training. However, in the family law area, this is normally not required.

   • Business ethics

     AskMen: Call your local Better Business Bureau or State Attorney General's office to make sure there haven't been any consumer complaints against your investigator or his agency. You should also be blunt and ask your private eye if he provides, and abides by, a confidentiality agreement. You definitely don't want your private information and investigation results being sold to a rival.

     Stevens: The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has rigorous requirements for obtaining and maintaining an investigator's license in South Carolina, and it handles all complaints against investigators' licenses. SLED's requirements dictate whether written contracts are required, the length of time that records must be maintained, etc. Also, members of the South Carolina Association of Legal Investigators must adhere to their strict Code of Ethics. Finally, the Better Business Bureaus in South Carolina are also a good resource, and several of the agencies enable online searching of their records.

   • Final questions

     AskMen: Ask any questions you feel are relevant. At any point, if you don't feel comfortable with this person, excuse yourself and leave. As a good indicator of his ethics and proficiency level, ask about how the detective has gotten into this line of work. Also, don't be taken aback if the detective asks you questions. He has to protect himself, and ensure that you're not hiring him to do something illegal.

     Stevens: I have previously posted about the importance of feeling comfortable with your attorney, and some of those same considerations do apply to the investigator complex, albeit to a much lesser degree. The other issues discussed in this article are far more important than how charming he/she may be, how plush his/her office might be, or whether he/she has a secretary. You should keep in mind that you are hiring the investigator to perform a specified task for you, whereas your attorney oversees all aspects of your case and also be mindful that you will have much more contact with your attorney than with your investigator.

5. Hiring process

   AskMen:

   Satisfied with your investigator, you're ready to hire him. The finishing stage is about the discussion of payment. In this industry, the accepted method of billing consists of an hourly rate ($45-$60 US), plus job-related expenses like airline tickets, hotel fees, and long-distance calls.

   Some detectives are open to working for a flat fee, in which you must provide a deposit. If the person is quite experienced, he may be able to give you an estimate as to how much it'll cost you when all is said and done.

   You're better off asking for an estimate regardless, so as to avoid being taken for a ride. Be prepared to pay no matter what; if your girlfriend isn't having an affair after all, you won't be getting your money back!

   Stevens:

   With regard to finances, you typically want to know the following items before signing a contract to hire an investigator:
   

   • Hourly rate, amount required to be paid upfront, and estimate of total fees;
     
   • Number of investigators who will be used on your case;
     
   • What "other expenses" will you have to pay over and above the hourly rate;
     
   • Under what conditions (if any) the investigator will exceed the estimate;
     
   • What you should do (and not do) to assist the investigator during the investigation;
     
   • Estimated length of time to complete the work on your case.

Source: "How To: Hire A Private Investigator" By Steve Richer published at AskMen.com.

• Print
• Comments

When you think of "private investigators," what comes to mind? Dick Tracy? Charlie's Angels? Mangnum, PI? Real-life private investigators bear little resemblance to their Hollywood counterparts. Instead of cruising around in helicopters and leading the glamorous life, most investigative work is done behind the scenes.

AskMen.com published an article which contained some good, practical information about private investigators, including the types of following matters that private investigators can help you with:

• Locating people or objects

  Want to find out what your old high school buddies are up to? Did a client who owes you money skip town? A good private investigator can find just about anyone, or even anything for that matter. If your valuable coin collection is stolen and the police aren't doing much, a private eye might be able to help.

• Performing background checks

  Whether you're about to enter a business relationship with someone and you want to see if they have a checkered past, or you're about to lease out your house and want to find out if the new tenant is trustworthy, PIs can get you the information you need.

• Setting up surveillance

  If you're certain your employees are stealing from you, a detective can set up a camera network to find out the truth, or even follow the subjects to their hideout. You might also need this type of service to verify the veracity of a person's statement. What if the person who is suing you for personal injury isn't injured at all? Setting up surveillance cameras in your house for security purposes is also right up their alley.

Source: "How To: Hire A Private Investigator" By Steve Richer published at AskMen.com.

• Print
• Comments (1)

Today, I am pleased to present the conclusion of yesterday's "guest post" from noted private investigator and author, Bill Mitchell: "Is Your Spouse Cheating Online?"

6. Clears all Internet history after chat sessions and/or usage or installs software to automatically rid this information.

There are times when a computer becomes filled with unwanted files. Computers run faster when less "temporary" files use up valuable "RAM memory." This is prudent maintenance for any computer user. What I am referring to in this sign is the repeated habit of purposefully clearing information from discovery. While this information is retrievable through the science of Computer Forensics, you won't find it readily available. On the market now is software that actually helps the cheater. The actual purpose of this new software tool is to hide any trace of computer internet usage. Do you find this a little suspicious? I do.

7. Exhibits a compulsive need to be online and seems defensive when confronted to stop.

"When are you coming to bed?" "We really need to go, now, what's taking so long?" "Can't you do that later?" Have you asked these types of questions? Teenagers often become "obsessed" with instant messaging. If you have kids who use the computer, you know. They have trouble walking away from the PC. This same desire or need displayed by your spouse is cause for alarm. A compulsive, defensive pattern of behavior shows a strong need to continue. You need to know why.

8. Shares personal information, photos or events with strangers in emails, chatrooms, or while instant messaging.

Setting up a profile for instant messaging is commonplace. Kids love to fill them up and share with friends on the buddy list. I've witnessed spouses who send nude pictures of themselves over the Internet. They share very personal information that should be reserved to the marital home. Maybe it's time to track this information with software that collects this data. Today more courts are allowing emails and computer usage data as evidence. It's advisable to consult an attorney in your state beforehand!

9. Plays online games and frequents "personals" chatrooms.

This is where it starts. Play a few games, win or lose, but then we need to chat. Well, if chatting is fine, why not include your spouse? You can't, so why do it?

10. Exhibits the eight warning signs illustrated in The More You Know--Getting the Evidence and Support You Need to Investigate a Troubled Relationship (available here).

Thirty plus years of investigative experience is poured into this new release. It's a "must have" resource guide for every woman's personal library.

#169; Copyright Bill Mitchell 2005. All rights reserved.

William F. (Bill) Mitchell, Jr., Seven-Day Detective, is an internationally renowned author who is recognized for his practical, solution-based investigative strategies to marriages facing infidelity. As a recognized expert on infidelity and child custody, Mr. Mitchell appears regularly as a guest expert on TV and national talk shows including Dr. Phil, Today Show, and The Early Show. He has been interviewed by numerous publications including Chicago Tribune, Esquire, Ladies Home Journal Online, and PI Magazine. Mr. Mitchell is the author of two books including Adultery: Facing Its Reality and The More You Know - Getting the evidence and support you need to investigate a troubled relationship.

Mr. Mitchell is a licensed private investigator in South Carolina. He was formerly licensed in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and District of Columbia. His education includes training by the Department of Defense, Dektor Counterintelligence, New Jersey State Police, and various insurance claims organizations. Mr. Mitchell is a member of National Association of Investigative Specialists, Alliance of Investigators and Security Specialists, Carolina Organized Retail Theft Task Force, and Piedmont Claims Association. Mr. Mitchell, Seven-Day Detective, received a Bachelors Psychology from Mt. St. Mary's University. He lives in Greenville, South Carolina with his wife, three daughters, and a son.

• Print
• Comments

It is with great pleasure that I give you part one of another "guest post" from noted private investigator and author, Bill Mitchell:

"Is Your Spouse Cheating Online?" by Bill Mitchell

It's obvious online affairs are prevalent today, so what can you do? This epidemic is causing the breakup of countless marriages. How do you know if your spouse is violating the marriage vows by carrying out an online affair? Let's look at typical indicators I personally discovered while investigating affairs. If your marriage is in trouble, these clues will help you be the judge. Caution: These clues are not confirmation of an affair; just feasible indicators for you take into account.

1. Your spouse or partner spends excess time online.

Who doesn't use a computer today? I know a few people. They are excellent for paying bills, staying in touch with family, friends, customers, finding street locations, and a host of other productive endeavors. We can not live without them and shutter when a lighting storm threaten our usage. Just look at kids and their instant messaging. They will go without dinner just to keep in touch with their circle of friends. Try to pull them away, it's no easy task. Does your spouse resemble your kid's magnetism to the computer? Discover why this need is so powerful before it's too late.

2. Passwords, instant message "buddy lists," Internet email accounts, and emails are concealed and even protected from you!

Do you find your spouse needing his "own space" at the computer? Is there a real reluctance when you ask to know his passwords? What's there to hide? These questions all have obvious answers. The act of hiding information is deceptive by nature. Of course, those of us who have worked in "Corporate America" understand the need to protect company secrets. But what legitimate "family secret" are we hiding? Listen, any time a spouse becomes secretive with you, it fulfills a direct need they demonstrate. Why? You are like the judge, referee, or source of authority creating that "sense of accountability" over them. Furthermore, they are breaking matrimonial law if committing adultery. There is, in many courts, a price to pay!

3. Computer use after you have gone to bed, when you fall asleep, or in the middle of the night.

Have you been awaken by the absence of your spouse at night and found her or him at the computer? If this behavior becomes a pattern, you certainly need to be concerned. While work demands a sense of commitment and loyalty, working late repeatedly after you have fallen asleep is a little odd.

4. Your partner abruptly shuts off the internet and/or computer when you approach.

This is panic and unexplainable behavior. The rationalization is "when all other contingency plans fail, just shut that thing off and don't get caught." This foolish act is also called a "computer crash" and has the potential of damaging both hardware and software. The loss of files can occur when a computer is cut off abruptly. Many spouses have reported this behavior just prior to hiring us. We consider it a significant indicator of a deviant behavior. Now, bear in mind your spouse may be viewing pornography and fear reprisal. This may explain the need for panic.

5. The computer and monitor are always positioned away from your sight.

The study of body language has become useful to many investigators, especially those of us who administer lie-detection examinations. An obvious sign of deception and a common mistake the cheater makes is blocking your view. They need the time to clear a screen, turn off the monitor, or change to another Internet page when threatened with exposure. Intentionally turning the monitor or laptop away from view is an indicator they don't want you to see something. Over time, this act develops into a habit and confers greater freedom from detection. In most instances, having the lead time to hide the truth from you is all they need.

To Be Continued ....

#169; Copyright Bill Mitchell 2005. All rights reserved.

William F. (Bill) Mitchell, Jr., Seven-Day Detective, is an internationally renowned author who is recognized for his practical, solution-based investigative strategies to marriages facing infidelity. As a recognized expert on infidelity and child custody, Mr. Mitchell appears regularly as a guest expert on TV and national talk shows including Dr. Phil, Today Show, and The Early Show. He has been interviewed by numerous publications including Chicago Tribune, Esquire, Ladies Home Journal Online, and PI Magazine. Mr. Mitchell is the author of two books including Adultery: Facing Its Reality and The More You Know - Getting the evidence and support you need to investigate a troubled relationship.

Mr. Mitchell is a licensed private investigator in South Carolina. He was formerly licensed in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and District of Columbia. His education includes training by the Department of Defense, Dektor Counterintelligence, New Jersey State Police, and various insurance claims organizations. Mr. Mitchell is a member of National Association of Investigative Specialists, Alliance of Investigators and Security Specialists, Carolina Organized Retail Theft Task Force, and Piedmont Claims Association. Mr. Mitchell, Seven-Day Detective, received a Bachelors Psychology from Mt. St. Mary's University. He lives in Greenville, South Carolina with his wife, three daughters, and a son.

• Print
• Comments

Over the past few months, I have gotten to know private investigator extraordinaire Bill Mitchell, who today has the distinct honor of making the first "guest post" on my blog. This post is very insightful, and I hope you will enjoy it. Without any further adieu, here it is:

"DENY, DENY, DENY THE AFFAIR -- Take action and get the bottom of an affair with these Ten Valuable Steps!" by Bill Mitchell.

For almost forty years I've heard this theme played over and over again, like a top 40 hit. As an investigator I heard clients tell this almost everyday. Here's what they tell me? "My husband says he's not seeing someone." But he can't explain exactly where he was last night. Not only that, his clothes seemed of ladies perfume. The golf clubs are clean as a whistle but he claims to have played around with buddies from work.

This is a typical scenario for the private investigator's initial consultation. I'll open a file, ask lots of questions, and notes but all often hear this reoccurring theme. They ask for the truth but never get it. So where does that leave you? Are chasing down dead-ends? What can you do for yourself and not turn up empty handed like my clients?

What do they deny?

1. Where they have been without you.
2. Why they need to be alone.
3. Any details to support their activities.
4. If they are cheating.
5. If they are having sex with someone else.
6. How long they have been in an affair.
7. Any truthful information about their secret life.

So what can you do to overcome these obstacles?

The first rule I insist upon is: "Stop asking questions."

Why? It is instinctive behavior to deny the facts, especially when they tell the truth. If you believe you can ask pointed questions of a cheater and receive volumes of incriminating information - forget it. This scenario only happens in fiction novels. The last time I faced a murderer offering to help that would get to him a fair trial, he lied. The last time I conducted a lie detection exam for a suspecting employee in a theft case, he lied to me. The last time I asked an insurance fraud scam artist to confess, he lied.

The second rule is: "Get organized."

You can help yourself by organizing your information. Start with a diary. Using a daily journal is very helpful. Focus on excuses, times, events, days of the week, or any tidbits of information you come across. Include what you heard, saw or discovered each day. This is called "layering".

Third Rule is: "Search for obvious clues."

Places to look are in your records of credit charges, phone bills, gas card charges, check accounts, savings accounts. Too often early discover of an affair slips away because spouse feel like spying is wrong. Adultery is wrong so feel justified if you need to look.

Fourth Rule is: "Track mileage daily."

Our society is driven and so are cheating spouses. They rendezvous. Trips to and from work, church, play or illegitimate activities reveal the length incurred. Take advantage of this simple step. Take the time to record in your daily or another form of record keeping vehicle usage. It's a great short cut!

Fifth Rule is: "Look for Deceptive Behavior."

As a general rule, most cheating spouses exhibit deceptive behavior. They make the simplest tasks same so complicated. A trip to store takes excessive amount of time. No receipt, no proof of purchase, and lots of excuses.

Sixth Rule is: "Remove any weapons from the home."

Emotions never run any hotter than during an affair. Cheating spouses may turn on you like a flash fire. Handguns are the deadliest enemy you could face so hide them.

Seventh Rule is: "Analyze your financial exposure and end the risks."

Cancel credit cards, lines of credit or any form of financial risk you might incur until things settle down. You can notify in writing those institutions you feel might burden you with bills never consented to.

Eighth Rule is: "Act as if nothing is wrong, but encourage counseling."

Just remember counseling will fail if your spouse is dragged there. In fact you might even find this option a pre-destined failure if your spouse is looking for a way to show you how.

Ninth Rule is: Don't try to stop the affair- look to prove it."

Proof dictates the future in most relationships. When you know all the details, denial anticipated, a cheating spouse is a captive audience. Seek this empowerment wholeheartedly to end the deception. When you have facts your choices are numerous.

Tenth Rule is: "Plan for the worst, but hope for the best!"

Optimism is the best policy to employ given the circumstances. You may be wrong and seemingly obvious affair may have never happened. Be careful to keep a positive attitude or you may compounded the problems in your life.

#169; Copyright Bill Mitchell 2005. All rights reserved.

William F. (Bill) Mitchell, Jr., Seven-Day Detective, is an internationally renowned author who is recognized for his practical, solution-based investigative strategies to marriages facing infidelity. As a recognized expert on infidelity and child custody, Mr. Mitchell appears regularly as a guest expert on TV and national talk shows including Dr. Phil, Today Show, and The Early Show. He has been interviewed by numerous publications including Chicago Tribune, Esquire, Ladies Home Journal Online, and PI Magazine. Mr. Mitchell is the author of two books including Adultery: Facing Its Reality and The More You Know - Getting the evidence and support you need to investigate a troubled relationship.

Mr. Mitchell is a licensed private investigator in South Carolina. He was formerly licensed in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and District of Columbia. His education includes training by the Department of Defense, Dektor Counterintelligence, New Jersey State Police, and various insurance claims organizations. Mr. Mitchell is a member of National Association of Investigative Specialists, Alliance of Investigators and Security Specialists, Carolina Organized Retail Theft Task Force, and Piedmont Claims Association. Mr. Mitchell, Seven-Day Detective, received a Bachelors Psychology from Mt. St. Mary's University. He lives in Greenville, South Carolina with his wife, three daughters, and a son.

• Print
• Comments