When to Hire a Private Detective: 8 Situations That Justify It

Not every suspicion requires a detective. Not every investigation is legally or practically viable. One of the most valued things we do in a first consultation is to tell clients honestly when not to hire us — because their situation does not justify the cost, the investigation is not viable under the law, or there is a simpler solution.

That said, there are eight situations where hiring a private detective in Granada provides clear, legally valid value.

1. Suspected marital infidelity in the context of a divorce

When the suspicion of infidelity will have legal implications — asset division, custody, maintenance — personal certainty is not enough. You need an expert report signed by a TIP-licensed detective, admissible in proceedings before the Family Court. Social-media screenshots, WhatsApp messages captured from someone else's phone, or eavesdropped conversations have no legal value and can damage your position.

2. Sick-leave fraud in a company

An employee on certified sick leave appears to be working elsewhere, doing physical activity incompatible with their declared incapacity, or running their own business. The employer cannot conduct surveillance themselves without risking a harassment complaint. A detective gathers the evidence in public spaces, legally, and the report is valid before the Labour Court of Granada for a disciplinary dismissal.

3. Modifying a child custody arrangement

You want to modify the current custody arrangement but need to demonstrate a substantial change of circumstances. A detective can document the child's actual living conditions, changes in the other parent's partner or cohabiting situation, non-compliance with contact times, or a lifestyle incompatible with proper childcare.

4. Cancelling a compensatory or maintenance pension

You suspect your ex-partner has formed a new household or is cohabiting in a stable relationship — which under Spanish law extinguishes a compensatory pension. A cohabitation verification report by a detective is the standard evidence accepted by family courts to process the cancellation.

5. Hidden assets in a divorce

Your spouse declares minimal assets but maintains an apparent lifestyle inconsistent with that figure: overseas travel, luxury vehicles, recently renovated properties, undeclared rental income. A detective documents the visible reality — the court's forensic accountant can then formally trace the financial trail.

6. Internal theft or unfair competition

You suspect an employee is stealing from the company, leaking confidential information to a competitor, or building a parallel business using your clients and resources. A detective can document the activities in public spaces and in the company's own work environment (provided the company authorises it).

7. Locating a person

A debtor with an outstanding court order who cannot be found, a parent who has not paid maintenance and has disappeared, an heir who needs to be notified — or a relative you have lost contact with. A detective uses legal open-source tools and fieldwork to establish a current address.

8. Verification before a major decision

Before entering into a business partnership, a significant investment or a marriage, you want to verify that the person you are dealing with is genuinely who they say they are. Pre-matrimonial checks, business partner verifications and pre-purchase property checks fall into this category.

When not to hire a detective

• If you simply want to "catch" someone without any legal proceedings in view — the investigation may not be worth the cost.
• If what you need is a criminal complaint — report it to the police directly.
• If the information you need is publicly and freely accessible — a detective adds little value.
• If the investigation would require violating someone's privacy or entering a private space — it would be illegal and the evidence inadmissible.