Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Family Law Blogs -> SC Family Law Blog
(866) 635-2689 for Personal Injury or (866) 635-9402 for Criminal Defense
Find a Local Lawyer
Divorce (866) 635-6190
Personal Injury (866) 635-2689
Criminal Defense (866) 635-9402
Family Law
: SC Family Law BlogDo You Have to Use a Private Investigator to Prove Contempt of Court?
By Ben Stevens
Question: I want to file a contempt action to prove that someone is violating a Court Order. If I have someone take pictures to help prove this violation, does that person have to be a licensed private investigator?
Answer: Evidence of a violation of a court order can come from anyone with first-hand knowledge. If photos are being used for that purpose, the person taking them can introduce them at a hearing, and that person is not required to be a licensed private investigator.
However, if the person has any bias at all (such as being a friend or family member), then his/her credibility can be questioned and possibly compromised. When you use a private investigator, then his objectivity will not be questioned, as he is simply "doing his job."
Also, since a private investigator is essentially a professional witness, you will typically get better (i.e. more helpful) evidence than a non-professional would get. For instance, taking photographs in low light situations is difficult, and knowing what type of information the Court wants to see can make a big difference.
If you need more information, you can read the following articles that I've written about using private investigators in Family Court:
- Using Private Investigators in Family Court Cases
- Surveillance on Your Spouse
- What Can a Private Investigator Do For You?
- How to Hire the Right Private Investigator
- Hiring a Private Investigator for Your Divorce, Child Custody, or Visitation Case
Full post as published by SC Family Law Blog on July 24, 2008 (boomark / email).
Alleged Jailbreaker Poses as Private Investigator
Here’s another example of a dumb criminal with a twist. It appears that two Mississippi men thought they could actually help free their buddy in a Wilkinson County jail using forged court documents with one of the men posing as a private investigator...
Preparing for Divorce in Mississippi: Step 9 Consider hiring a private investigator
Step 9 ? Consider hiring a private investigator In a Mississippi divorce, you and your spouse must either agree to the divorce or you must prove ?fault?. If you do not anticipate your spouse agreeing to the divorce, then you will need to prove one of the fault based grounds for divorce...
Private Investigator Develops Evidence To Release Man Imprisoned for 21 Years
Bill Clutter’s work as an Illinois private investigator has helped to free two men and is a perfect example of the how investigators in the private sector are an asset to the public...
Contempt of Court (Just a comedy)
Contempt of court is an offence where one is to be found in acting in disrespect manner toward the court, judge or officers of court. Non complianace of judgment may sometime be held for contempt of court...
Ohio BWC Worker Allegedly Admits to Selling Data to Private Investigator
Here we go again, another incident involving a private investigator that tarnishes the reputation of an entire profession all in the name of making a quick buck. A local Ohio newspaper is now reporting that a worker at the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has allegedly admitted to selling the Social Security numbers and other [...
Complaints Pile Up Against Former New Zealand Police Officer Turned Private Investigator Peter Gibbons - Including Search Of Innocent Man’s Home
DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - Distressed ACC claimants complaining of bully-boy tactics want a controversial private eye put out of business. See also: Former Dunedin New Zealand Police Officer Peter Gibbons Denies Showing Bestiality Film At Police Commissioner?s Party Dunedin man Bruce Van Essen claims he?s been unfairly targeted over ACC fraud allegations by former cop-turned-private investigator Peter [...
Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Career Choices
Descriptions of law enforcement occupations
Private Investigators and Detectives
Services Provided by Private Investigators
Selection of State Supreme Court Judges
How State Court Judges are Selected
California Supreme Court Proposition 8 Decision
Court Rejects Challenges to Proposition 8, but Finds Marriages Valid
Is Barack Obama a Natural Born Citizen?
Wrotnowski v. Bysiewicz (Supreme Court): Does Obama meet the constitutional requirements to be President
Heart of Atlanta v United States
Supreme Court Decision: Civil Rights Act Protected by Interstate Commerce Clause
US Government
alleging land surveyors should not be allowed on private property to build a US Mexican border wall.
Utilities Whistleblower
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities agrees to $485,000 fine for setting up a private bank account.
Ebay Fined
French Court Sets Fine at $61 Million
Personal Injury
Appeals Court Upholds Congressional Legislation
Tomato Salmonella
Sheetz Convenience Stores agrees to confidential out-of-court settlement with food poisoning victim.
National Association of Realtors
Settlement reached in broker listing antitrust lawsuit, pending court approval.








