Divorcing from an Abusive Spouse

Divorcing from an Abusive Spouse

Behind closed doors, or hidden beneath a blanket of silence, domestic violence bruises the lives of an estimated four million people every year–the overwhelming majority of them women–and impacts expanding circles of millions more: children, relatives, friends, employers.

Studies show that violence occurs at least once in two-thirds of all marriages, and approximately 95% of the victims of domestic violence are women. Roughly 40% of all physically abused children have also witnessed physical violence between their parents.

Many children who are abused, or who witness abuse of a parent, grow up to become abusive themselves, or become victims in violent relationships, and the cycle continues. Fortunately, there’s something you can do about it. You need the guidance and advice of an experienced Arizona divorce attorney.

According to Lisa Angel–an attorney, Board-Certified Family Law Specialist and member of the Governor’s Domestic Violence Commission–special laws in Arizona are designed to provide quick and effective relief from domestic violence. “The most important thing a victim of this kind of abuse can do,” she emphasizes, “is find the courage to take action.”

Don’t Become a Deadly Statistic

Some people feel as if they just can’t handle dealing with the legal system on top of the abuse they’ve suffered. Regina, for example, found the courage to move with her children–one of whom has also been abused–into a new apartment. At the time, she says, “I didn’t think I could face the trauma of taking a domestic violence case to court.” Her husband’s response? He tracked her down at her new home and hit her again. That was the unfortunate wake-up call she needed to act.

If Your Spouse is Violent, Take Immediate Action

Angel–a past president of the Women’s Center of Wake County Board of Directors and founding board member of Project Together, a domestic violence pro bono project–is particularly clear on this point: “Call the police if necessary. When you’re safe, contact the domestic violence relief agency in your county. They can give you advice and direct you to a safe shelter.”

If You Fear for Your Safety, Leave the House; Otherwise, Talk to a Lawyer First

As Regina found out, violence can be an ongoing threat, wherever you are. Which is why, according to Angel, “I can’t stress this enough: If your spouse is violent, you must take all steps necessary to protect your safety and the safety of your children. Only after you’re safe is it time to focus on legal issues.”

In general, she says, you can leave the house and not come back, and you may take the children with you, unless a court order directs you otherwise. However, she points out that–if circumstances allow–it may not be wise to leave the house without talking to an attorney. “Leaving the house without what a court considers a good reason may affect your alimony situation, and if you leave the house you may not be able to come back until a court divides the property.”

This process will take a long time, and you may not end up with possession of the house after the property has been divided. The best advice? According to Angel: “Stay in the house until after you discuss the matter with a lawyer, unless your spouse is violent. As Regina’s case illustrates, victims of abuse don’t always have the ability to make this choice–sometimes getting out is the only safe option.”

If Warranted, File Criminal Charges

Arizona law should be on your side, says Angel. “If you are attacked, there are several crimes your abuser can be charged with, for starters: Rape and Sexual Offense, Assault, Domestic Criminal Trespass, Communicating Threats, Stalking or Harassing Phone Calls.” Again, she recommends contacting the police as soon as possible.

Use the Civil Courts to Your Advantage

The civil code can also provide some relief. “In many cases,” says Angel, “it’s possible to get a court order without the typical notice requirements, so you can keep possession of the house and car, and temporary custody of your children; the order may also provide that your spouse must stay away from you and the children. And if your spouse violates such an order, he or she will be arrested.”

In the case of Tamiqua, repairing her life included both civil and criminal remedies: a domestic violence consent order, separation agreement, and involvement of the district attorney–after her husband fired a gun at her while their children slept upstairs.

For Angel, this illustrates an important point. “From a legal perspective, it’s not an either/or choice. You should use whatever tools are necessary to protect yourself and your children.”

Prepare a Complete Complaint

A domestic violence complaint should list all the facts, and not simply state the result of the violence. Terri, was able to present a very compelling picture of her situation simply by highlighting her recent interactions with her husband. As she succinctly puts it, “I was willing to negotiate; he got hung up on the money stuff, and then he went nuts again.”

Angel says that the facts you present are most compelling to the court when the acts occurred recently or over a period of time, and when they’re as specific as possible.

Understand the Domestic Violence Act

In 1979, Arizona responded to the problem of domestic violence by enacting Chapter 50B, the Domestic Violence Act. Angel has dealt with the ins and outs of this legislation for many years. “The Act has been amended and refined over the years and, while not perfect, it has a number of good attributes. It protects men, women and children, and it provides a fast method for separating a spouse from his or her abuser.”

Under the Act, domestic violence is defined as attempts to cause or intentionally causing bodily injury, and placing a person in fear of ‘imminent serious bodily injury’ by threatening the use of force. “The statute protects not only present spouses but also former spouses and people in a dating relationship – so you don’t have to be currently married to be protected.” A dating relationship, for these purposes, involves romantic involvement over time and on a continuous basis.

When it Comes to Filing a Complaint, You can “Do it Yourself”

Do-it-yourself complaint forms are available through the Clerk of Superior Court. “However,” Angel cautions, “these forms should not be used if custody, child support or alimony are at issue, because they don’t allow for solid claims to be made in those areas.”

Attorneys can also use these forms, or they can write up custom-tailored complaints. “It’s the kind of thing,” according to Angel, “that might be great in some situations, and in others it might just be confusing. Not everyone wants or needs to handle their own legal paperwork, even in the best of circumstances.”

Pamela was certainly not facing the best of circumstances when she thought about going the do-it-yourself route. “I was tired–physically, emotionally. More like in shock. So even when some very well-meaning friends tried to get me to do this, I just couldn’t. I had been a victim for so long, I really didn’t think I had the strength to do this on my own.” It took a professional who could walk her through the process, and do, in her words, the “heavy lifting,” for Pamela to file a complaint.

Find the Right Solution

This reinforces a central message that Angel wants to get across. “There’s no one right answer for all victims.” And this extends into the courtroom. “Whether you have a restraining order against your abuser or some other type of court order, the Domestic Violence Act allows judges to approve a range of protections.”

These include:

Angel adds that “all of these remedies are in addition to protections that you might be entitled to under other law. Plus, the language in the act is intentionally broad, so other types of protections can also be crafted.”

Know What Protective Orders Can and Can’t Do

Despite this long list of protections, Angel says that there are several issues to keep in mind. “Protective orders will expire at the end of a fixed period, not more than a year. There are no exceptions to this rule, but you can request renewal for up to another year.”

In addition, copies of the order must be issued to each party as well as the police or sheriff’s department in the county where you live – and it’s up to you or your attorney to make sure this gets done. “As much as law enforcement wants or tries to help, some things are beyond their control. The best protective order ever drafted is no good unless there’s some follow-through. We find that victims who try to handle legal things themselves sometimes get to this point and don’t realize there’s more they need to do.”

There is Light at the End of the Tunnel

Remember Regina? When she turned to the legal system, she was initially met by resistance from her ex-husband, who refused to settle custody and visitation out of court or agree to a protective order. This forced a trial, where conflicting testimony was given. The court, however, ultimately found in Regina’s favor – issuing a protective order and granting her custody of the children. “It was hard,” she says. “But not harder than what we had been living through.”

While, as Angel puts it, “it’s not necessarily going to be a pleasant process,” using the courts can be an effective – in some cases the only – tool for ending abusive relationships. And the bigger picture is this: thousands of people have found the strength to save themselves from domestic violence.

Find Someone to Lean on

Speaking from her lengthy professional experience, Angel says that “emotional support can be absolutely essential to everyone involved in the breakup of a violent marriage.” Mental health providers – including psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers and other counselors – can be found in private practice, at nonprofits or in government agencies. Many agencies will provide counseling at a fee based upon your income.

Feel free to contact us at https://familylawattorneymesaaz.net/ for expert guidance if you’re facing an imminent divorce or considering divorcing your spouse. At Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers, we are proud to represent you!

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Our team of family law attorneys and divorce attorneys look forward to helping you when you need it most. With over two decades of aggressive divorce, child custody, child support, and divorce mediation representation we will not allow you to be taken advantage of. We believe in making a difference in the lives of our clients and their children.


Mesa, AZ – Office

Located in Mesa Arizona, on Val Vista and Southern Avenue. Our Family Law Attorneys and Divorce Lawyers in Mesa AZ have been helping our clients achieve the legal results they are searching for. Our Mesa Law Firm offers Divorce Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Legal Separation, Female Divorce Lawyers, Annulment, Child Support Issues, Child Custody, Military Divorce, Parenting Plans, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Grandparents Rights, Paternity, Order of Protection, Name Change and all Family Law legal issues.

Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers in Mesa AZ
2915 E Baseline Rd Suite 115
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 999-2321
https://familylawattorneymesaaz.net/mesa

Chandler, AZ – Office

Located On Dobson Road, just North of W. Chandler Blvd, near the 101 Freeway. We have a team of the Best Divorce Lawyers and Family Law Attorneys in Chandler Arizona. Our Chandler Law Firm offers Divorce Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Legal Separation, Female Divorce Lawyers, Annulment, Child Support Issues, Child Custody, Military Divorce, Parenting Plans, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Grandparents Rights, Paternity, Order of Protection, Name Change and all Family Law legal issues.

Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers in Chandler AZ
333 N. Dobson Rd #5
Chandler, AZ 85224
(480) 632-2083
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Gilbert, AZ – Office

Located in South East Gilbert, Near Higley High School on Pecos Road, West of Power Road in the Power Ranch Neighborhood. Our Gilbert Law Firm offers Divorce Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Legal Separation, Female Divorce Lawyers, Annulment, Child Support Issues, Child Custody, Military Divorce, Parenting Plans, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Grandparents Rights, Paternity, Order of Protection, Name Change and all Family Law legal issues.

Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers in Gilbert AZ
4365 E. Pecos Rd Suite 138
Gilbert, AZ 85295
(480) 900-2302
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Florence, AZ – Office

Located in the Community of Anthem in Florence Arizona, off of Hunt Hwy. Our Florence Law Firm is staffed with family law attorneys that offer Divorce Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Legal Separation, Female Divorce Lawyers, Annulment, Child Support Issues, Child Custody, Military Divorce, Parenting Plans, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Grandparents Rights, Paternity, Order of Protection, Name Change and all Family Law legal issues.

Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers in Florence AZ
3281 N. Hunt Hwy Suite 111
Florence, AZ 85132
(480) 632-1120
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Glendale, AZ – Office

Located in Glendale. Our Glendale Law Firm offers Divorce Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Legal Separation, Female Divorce Lawyers, Annulment, Child Support Issues, Child Custody, Military Divorce, Parenting Plans, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Grandparents Rights, Paternity, Order of Protection, Name Change and all Family Law legal issues.

Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers in Glendale AZ
7075 West Bell Road Suite 5
Glendale, AZ 85308
(602) 834-8585
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Should I Hire a Private Investigator to Help with My Divorce Case?

Should I Hire a Private Investigator to Help with My Divorce Case?

When we think about private investigators, most of us imagine something out of a movie: The private investigator sits in his car, chomping a sandwich and smoking a cigar while he tries to catch a cheating spouse and lover in a clandestine embrace. But is this the way it is in real life? Yes and no.

How a Private Investigator Might Help

Private investigators are often hired to assist with family law cases, and they can be very helpful for a variety of reasons. However, more often than not, the evidence they collect is more circumstantial than what you see in the movies. When the case involves extramarital affairs, the couples are usually discreet enough that the film is PG-rated at best. Still, every P.I. has stories of catching people in the act and capturing some very private, revealing moments on film.

The Illusion of Privacy

Most people close the blinds unless they're on an upper floor in a building where they believe they can't be seen from the ground. But what if a private investigator manages to take video from an upper floor in the building across the street? If a house is in a secluded area, the spouse who has hired the private investigator can give the P.I. permission to walk onto the grounds of the house. The illusion that the lovers can't be seen because of the seclusion of the house is just that; an illusion. The investigator can easily record their activity through the windows.

Example One: Video Recording

In one case, a male client knew his wife was having an affair, but the investigator hadn't been able to get any real evidence. So, the P.I. suggested that the client go on a short trip. It wasn't long after the client went out of town that a strange car appeared at the house. The P.I. called the client and asked him to come back to town, after which the client and P.I. entered the house together and retrieved the client's gun.

They could hear the wife and her lover in a downstairs bedroom, but the door was locked. The investigator stood by with the gun visible on his hip and a video camera in his hand while the client removed the door to the room and yanked the bed covers off of his wife and lover. The investigator had rehearsed with the client what to say because it was important that he not threaten his wife's lover in any way. Needless to say, this relationship ended in divorce, and the investigator's film was instrumental in the husband's case.

Example Two: Setting Your Spouse Up to Admit Guilt

In another situation, a male client was able to intercept his wife's emails and learn that she was seeing a man who was arriving in town the next evening. She told her husband that she was going out with the girls, but when the investigator followed her, she ended up at a hotel. He observed her coming out of the hotel with her boyfriend, and while they were gone in the boyfriend's car, the client moved his wife's car from the parking lot. The investigator contacted the police to let them know that even if the car was reported stolen, it wasn't actually stolen. Of course, if the wife reported the car stolen, she would have to admit that she had parked it in a hotel parking lot.

When the wife returned and frantically looked for her car, the client drove up in a van and threw all of her clothes onto the ground. He had gathered them in garbage bags just for this purpose. She was now officially caught and could no longer deny her affairs.

Example Three: Workplace Monitoring

In another case, an employer was related to the spouse of an employee who was suspected of having an affair with a coworker. The employer hired an investigator to place a hidden video camera in the office, which caught the married employee and lover having sex numerous times during the day. So, this couple was not only guilty of avoiding work, but they were committing acts of illicit sexual behavior (which is what we call adultery in Arizona.)

Most of the time, people have affairs with just one person that they've met at work. This is why the first question an investigator usually asks a client is: Where does your spouse work, and who works with your spouse? Investigators say it's much less common (at least in Arizona) for a married person to pick up several lovers in bars or to be caught involved in prostitution. But it certainly isn't unprecedented.

Example Four: Following Someone

In one case, it was discovered that a man had placed a profile on a dating website, stating that he was separated. He began dating women in the area, and the investigator was surprised to find the man out with different women on different evenings. Eventually, the man picked up a woman at a bar and engaged in a sexual act with her in his car in a parking lot. The private investigator was able to shoot video of the couple through the window of the car.

Don't Tell Anyone You're Hiring a PI

Unfortunately, it also isn't uncommon for someone to have an affair with a close friend of the family. For this reason, investigators and attorneys advise their clients not to confide in anyone about their suspicions of infidelity not even their parents, who might inadvertently let it slip to the spouse. Then, the spouse could even hire his or her own investigator to determine if surveillance is taking place. If this were to occur, the spouse would become so careful that it would be nearly impossible to gather any evidence to assist in a subsequent court case.

Who Hires the Private Investigator?

Often, a husband or wife suspects their spouse is cheating and hires a private investigator before consulting an attorney. This is usually a mistake. There are rules about confidentiality and privilege in Arizona, so the information is often better protected if the attorney hires the P.I. on behalf of the client. When the contract is between the attorney and the investigator, any material created in preparation for trial may be protected from discovery by the the opposing party as attorney work product.

For this reason, it is advisable for a client to consult with an Arizona family law attorney first. Family law firms can recommend reputable private investigators that are not only professional but knowledgeable about the laws. They won't gather any evidence illegally which could undermine a divorce case, and they will provide very detailed reports that will help the attorney present a thorough case in court.

What Do You Do with the Information Collected?

In some circumstances, however, evidence collected by a private investigator will not be helpful in a divorce case. An attorney can advise a client if it's worth spending the money on a P.I. before that investment is made. For example, if the couple has only been married for a year, if the client makes too much money to be awarded alimony, or if the parties don't make enough money to pay alimony, it may not be useful to present evidence in court from an investigator. While a client may want to hire a P.I. for emotional reasons, it's important to check with an experienced attorney to find out if it would truly be helpful from a legal perspective.

Of course, it's perfectly acceptable to hire a private investigator and decide not to use the information. The evidence obtained by a P.I. can help someone decide whether or not to remain in a relationship. Even if the possibility of divorce is remote, it's a good idea to be prepared. If the attorney has contracted with the P.I., the client is protected if the matter does end up in divorce court.

Avoid Hiring Friends to Watch Your Spouse

What if someone asks a friend to follow the spouse or place a wiretap on the spouse's telephone? This is a recipe for disaster. First of all, wiretapping is illegal a violation of both federal and state law. There are trespassing and harassment laws as well that the average person might not understand, so a friend could be criminally prosecuted for making an inadvertent mistake. Besides criminal charges, the injured parties could take the friend/amateur investigator to court for monetary damages.

Even if the friend stays within the law, a non-professional is much more likely to tip off the party who is being followed. Once the spouse knows they're being watched, obtaining evidence is next to impossible. This mistake can be costly since private investigators generally charge by the hour. Tipping off the spouse may require considerably more time on the part of the professional investigator, resulting in added cost. One private investigator likens it to getting an estimate on a malfunctioning transmission only to go home and take the transmission apart. When you have to return the transmission to the mechanic in dozens of pieces, the estimate will be higher because it will take the mechanic longer to put the mess back together again.

When Should a Private Investigator Be Hired?

Even if there is nothing more than a suspicion of something amiss in the marriage, consulting with an attorney is a good idea. If the matter ends up in court, the evidence gathered by the P.I. is much more likely to be admissible in the case if it has been gathered with the guidance and direction of an attorney. If the judge disallows the evidence because it wasn't obtained legally or doesn't meet technical requirements, it's a waste of the client's money.

Some people believe they can confront their spouse and find a way to work on the marriage. While this is certainly a possibility, if the cheating party is unwilling to work on the marriage, it's helpful to have the evidence before the confrontation takes place. Then, that evidence will be available for a divorce hearing if it comes to that. It is also important to prove that the affair began before the couple separated. So, most attorneys and investigators advise people to consult an attorney and hire a P.I. as soon as they suspect their spouse is having an affair.

Opportunity and Inclination

Since the majority of cheating couples are discreet, it is rare for someone to be caught in the act, so proof of an affair is usually hard to obtain. For this reason, the court only requires that a spouse provide circumstantial proof of adultery. This requires evidence of opportunity and inclination for adultery to have occurred. In order for the evidence to be helpful in court, the evidence should show both opportunity and inclination.

Opportunity to commit adultery includes finding that the parties have entered a home, hotel room, the back seat of a car, or other such place alone and emerged some time later. This is an opportunity for sexual relations. Of course, the parties could be business associates holding a meeting in a hotel room, or they could be platonic friends sleeping in separate rooms. This is why inclination is equally important.

Inclination evidence shows that the parties wanted to commit adultery. Usually, this evidence includes video of the couple kissing, holding hands, or hugging in a romantic way. Emails, phone calls and credit card receipts for flowers may also prove inclination, and if you put this evidence together with the evidence of opportunity, it might be enough for a judge or jury to find that adultery occurred.

Adultery for Alimony

Arizona, alimony is based primarily on need. The court tries to make sure that both parties are able to manage financially when a separation or divorce occurs. If the spouse seeking alimony is proven to have committed adultery, however, that spouse is no longer entitled to that alimony, unless the other spouse is also committing adultery. If both parties are committing adultery, then the court has the authority to provide alimony.

The termination of alimony payments generally happens after a term of years. Also, alimony usually ends upon cohabitation of the party receiving the alimony, which means that the person is living with a new romantic partner. While cohabitation is clearly defined in the statutes, it is not always clear whether someone is cohabitating. Investigators are often called upon to determine whether someone has moved in with the party receiving alimony.

In one particular case, a woman owned four beach houses and was living in one while renting out the others. A private investigator hired by her husband rented out the house next door and obtained videotape of the wife's boyfriend at her residence during all hours of the day and night. While this could still be considered circumstantial, the investigator was able to obtain videotape of the boyfriend's daughter taking the school bus from the house in the mornings. The school requires an official address in its registry, so this was substantial proof that the wife was cohabitating with the boyfriend. The investigator also found the given address of the boyfriend only to take film of furniture stacked up inside, obviously showing that no one was living there.

As a result of this evidence, the husband was relieved of his alimony obligation, which he had been paying for ten years in the amount of $5,000 per month.

Investigations in Child Custody Issues

Private investigators are often called upon when child custody matters are involved with a family law case. For example, a mother suspected that her husband was drinking and driving with the children in the car. An investigator was hired to follow the father, where he was found in a bar. The investigator was able to observe the father and count the number of drinks he had before he picked up the children at school. This proved to the mother that her husband was putting their children in danger, and as a result, she was able to present the evidence in court and protect her kids.

So, private investigators do more than simply follow spouses who might be having affairs. Perhaps a parent is traveling with the children in a car without putting them in their car seats. If that parent denies it, an investigator can videotape and prove the reckless behavior. The evidence can then be used to grant custody to the other parent.

In a court order regarding custody, one spouse may have been granted the right of first refusal. This means that if one parent has the children and cannot care for them on a particular day, that parent is obligated to give the other parent the first opportunity to care for the children. An investigator can conduct surveillance to find out if parents are complying with the court order. It may be found that a parent is leaving the children with a 17-year-old sibling rather than calling the other parent.

Of course, a parent's dating behavior also comes into play when custody is at issue. This often takes place after the divorce proceedings are complete, so it isn't about adultery. It's about the welfare of the children. When a parent's dating relationship impacts the children, it is fair game in a child custody hearing. If a parent's new boyfriend or girlfriend is a convicted sex offender, has a background of criminal drug charges, or is proven to be an alcoholic or recreational drug user, for example, this information can be used to argue against custody for that parent. If one parent has heard rumors about the other parent's boyfriend or girlfriend, a private investigator can be instrumental in determining the legitimacy of those rumors.

Illegal Investigations

There is a famous case of a P.I. in Los Angeles, Anthony Pellicano, who was convicted of a host of illegal activities, such as wiretapping, computer fraud, and identity theft. In court, he testified that his job was "problem-solving" through the acquisition of information. In other words, he was willing to use any means to obtain the information his clients wanted.

While most private investigators are professional and obey the law, some are willing to obtain information illegally. Some clients are so desperate to get evidence against a spouse that they're willing to go to any lengths for it. This is, of course, a mistake. Evidence that has been shown to be obtained illegally will no doubt be thrown out of court. It will do nothing to assist a divorce case and can actually seriously undermine a client's case.

So, what is legal, and what is illegal? As was previously mentioned, wiretapping is illegal. An investigator can videotape anything that can be seen publicly, but the audio capability of the video camera should be turned off in many settings because the sound may not be admissible in court. This means that the P.I. can videotape such things as a couple holding hands in public, kissing goodbye before getting into a car, and even making love if there are no curtains covering a window, but the P.I. generally cannot audiotape the couple's conversations.

A video camera can, sometimes, be hidden in a residence to record the activities of those occupying the home. The legal issues raised by hiding cameras are especially complex. A person should never take this action without specific advice and guidance from an attorney. Hiding cameras and audio recording devices may result in criminal liability in certain circumstances. It is always advisable to employ a professional to assist with the consideration of these activities. Spouses have, on many occasions, hidden cameras and microphones in their own homes to catch a spouse committing adultery. These attempts to obtain proof are sometimes successful but are fraught with risk and should be carefully considered.

There are also numerous considerations that come into play with regard to recording activities in vehicles. Many clients seek to place a GPS tracking device in their spouse's car or a company car. Again, this requires careful consideration in order to manage civil and criminal liability. Nevertheless, the GPS device has become a very productive and cost effective method of conducting surveillance and is employed in many cases.

Computers also present a multitude of issues for the unwary. Private investigators are often trained in forensic evaluation of computer disks and are able to obtain helpful financial records, web browsing records, photographic evidence and sometimes, pornography. The legality of accessing a computer is complex and depends on factors such as ownership of the machine, as well as the expectations of use of the machine by the parties.

Investigators are sometimes called upon by the spouse who has been followed to check for eavesdropping devices, GPS devices, and hidden cameras. Some P.I.'s have countermeasures training, which allows them to check for such equipment, and others specialize in hacking to find hidden computer files and emails. Scans can be run on computers to determine if someone has added spyware to it in order to follow another's computer activity. In one case, a married woman was having an affair, and her boyfriend put spyware on her computer. She hired an investigator who found the spyware and testified in a civil court proceeding that the woman brought against the boyfriend because he had no legal right to put the spyware on her computer.

The Bottom Line

An investigator may be helpful during several stages of a family law case before separation to determine if adultery has taken place, after a separation agreement is in place to make sure no breach of the agreement has occurred, or even after a divorce is final and child custody or alimony issues are involved. In the latter case, the investigator may acquire evidence that gives the client grounds to ask the court to modify a prior order. This may be important if the welfare of children is involved or if a spouse is unjustly receiving alimony.

It is necessary to be 100% honest with a family law attorney and a private investigator. Neither of them can do their jobs unless they know everything about the situation. In fact, some investigators will terminate their relationship with a client and refuse to refund fees if the client has lied to the investigator.

Private investigators are often an integral part of a family law case, and they can assist in numerous ways to strengthen a court proceeding and help the parties find out the truth. They provide both a legal and emotional service to people in the throes of a very painful situation.

Feel free to contact us at https://familylawattorneymesaaz.net/ for expert guidance if you’re facing an imminent divorce or considering divorcing your spouse. At Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers, we are proud to represent you!

Social Accounts:
https://www.facebook.com/AttorneyMesaAZ/
https://twitter.com/attorneymesaaz
https://www.linkedin.com/company/law-offices-of-kevin-jensen
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjggva23XNy-kmuhFgWUMyw
Feel free to contact us at https://familylawattorneymesaaz.net/ for expert guidance if you’re facing an imminent divorce or considering divorcing your spouse. At Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers, we are proud to represent you!

Our team of family law attorneys and divorce attorneys look forward to helping you when you need it most. With over two decades of aggressive divorce, child custody, child support, and divorce mediation representation we will not allow you to be taken advantage of. We believe in making a difference in the lives of our clients and their children.


Mesa, AZ – Office

Located in Mesa Arizona, on Val Vista and Southern Avenue. Our Family Law Attorneys and Divorce Lawyers in Mesa AZ have been helping our clients achieve the legal results they are searching for. Our Mesa Law Firm offers Divorce Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Legal Separation, Female Divorce Lawyers, Annulment, Child Support Issues, Child Custody, Military Divorce, Parenting Plans, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Grandparents Rights, Paternity, Order of Protection, Name Change and all Family Law legal issues.

Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers in Mesa AZ
2915 E Baseline Rd Suite 115
Gilbert, AZ 85234
(480) 999-2321
https://familylawattorneymesaaz.net/mesa

Chandler, AZ – Office

Located On Dobson Road, just North of W. Chandler Blvd, near the 101 Freeway. We have a team of the Best Divorce Lawyers and Family Law Attorneys in Chandler Arizona. Our Chandler Law Firm offers Divorce Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Legal Separation, Female Divorce Lawyers, Annulment, Child Support Issues, Child Custody, Military Divorce, Parenting Plans, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Grandparents Rights, Paternity, Order of Protection, Name Change and all Family Law legal issues.

Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers in Chandler AZ
333 N. Dobson Rd #5
Chandler, AZ 85224
(480) 632-2083
https://familylawattorneymesaaz.net/chandler

Gilbert, AZ – Office

Located in South East Gilbert, Near Higley High School on Pecos Road, West of Power Road in the Power Ranch Neighborhood. Our Gilbert Law Firm offers Divorce Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Legal Separation, Female Divorce Lawyers, Annulment, Child Support Issues, Child Custody, Military Divorce, Parenting Plans, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Grandparents Rights, Paternity, Order of Protection, Name Change and all Family Law legal issues.

Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers in Gilbert AZ
4365 E. Pecos Rd Suite 138
Gilbert, AZ 85295
(480) 900-2302
https://familylawattorneymesaaz.net/gilbert

Florence, AZ – Office

Located in the Community of Anthem in Florence Arizona, off of Hunt Hwy. Our Florence Law Firm is staffed with family law attorneys that offer Divorce Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Legal Separation, Female Divorce Lawyers, Annulment, Child Support Issues, Child Custody, Military Divorce, Parenting Plans, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Grandparents Rights, Paternity, Order of Protection, Name Change and all Family Law legal issues.

Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers in Florence AZ
3281 N. Hunt Hwy Suite 111
Florence, AZ 85132
(480) 632-1120
https://familylawattorneymesaaz.net/florence

Glendale, AZ – Office

Located in Glendale. Our Glendale Law Firm offers Divorce Mediation, Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Legal Separation, Female Divorce Lawyers, Annulment, Child Support Issues, Child Custody, Military Divorce, Parenting Plans, Prenuptial Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements, Grandparents Rights, Paternity, Order of Protection, Name Change and all Family Law legal issues.

Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers in Glendale AZ
7075 West Bell Road Suite 5
Glendale, AZ 85308
(602) 834-8585
https://familylawattorneymesaaz.net/glendale/