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The Role of Private Investigators in Gathering Evidence for Divorce Cases

When marriages break down in Singapore, proving certain facts in divorce proceedings can be challenging without professional help. A private investigator in Singapore offers specialised expertise that can make a significant difference in divorce cases, particularly when adultery or hidden assets are involved. The evidence they gather can strengthen your legal position and help ensure a fair resolution.

Understanding Divorce Grounds in Singapore

In Singapore, the Women’s Charter recognises only one ground for divorce: the irretrievable breakdown of marriage. This breakdown must be proven through one of several facts, including:

Adultery
Unreasonable behaviour
Desertion for at least two years
Separation with consent for at least three years
Separation without consent for at least four years

Among these, adultery often requires the most substantial evidence, making the services of a private investigator particularly valuable.

How Private Investigators Assist in Adultery Cases

When adultery is suspected, a private investigator in Singapore can provide crucial support through:

Professional Surveillance

Professional investigators employ discreet surveillance techniques to monitor the suspected spouse’s activities. Using advanced technology and trained personnel, they can document meetings, encounters, and potentially compromising situations that may indicate an extramarital affair.

“Surveillance is conducted with utmost discretion and always within legal boundaries,” explains a senior investigator at BSPI. “Our goal is to provide factual documentation without interference or privacy violations.”

Gathering Admissible Evidence

For evidence to be valuable in divorce proceedings, it must be legally obtained and admissible in court. Private investigators understand Singapore’s legal framework and ensure all evidence gathered follows strict protocols.

Evidence typically collected includes:

Photographic and video documentation
Detailed surveillance reports with times, dates, and locations
Documentation of patterns of behaviour

It’s important to note that to prove adultery in Singapore courts, evidence should demonstrate both opportunity and inclination. A private investigator in Singapore will focus on obtaining evidence that satisfies these legal requirements.

The Legal Value of Private Investigation in Divorce Cases

Singapore’s Family Courts require concrete evidence when adultery is cited as the fact proving irretrievable breakdown. A professional investigation report carries significant weight in these proceedings.

“Evidence gathered by licensed investigators is generally admissible in court,” notes a prominent Singapore family lawyer. “These reports often provide the objective documentation that courts seek when evaluating claims of adultery”.

Some key points about evidence in Singapore divorce cases:

The plaintiff must prove adultery on a balance of probabilities
Evidence must be gathered within six months of discovering the adultery
Reports must be detailed and professionally presented

Beyond Adultery: Other Investigative Services for Divorce

A private investigator in Singapore offers services beyond proving adultery that can be valuable during divorce proceedings:

Asset Investigation

Some spouses attempt to hide assets to avoid fair division during divorce. Private investigators can:

Trace hidden bank accounts
Identify undisclosed properties or investments
Document business interests concealed from the divorce proceedings

Child Custody Support

In cases where child custody is contested, private investigators can gather evidence related to:

The living conditions provided by each parent
Adherence to existing custody arrangements
Behaviour that might affect parenting capabilities

Choosing the Right Private Investigator for Your Case

When selecting a private investigator in Singapore for divorce-related matters, consider these factors:

Licensing and Credentials: Ensure the investigator holds valid licenses under Singapore’s Private Security Industry Act
Experience in Matrimonial Cases: Look for specialists with proven experience in divorce investigations
Legal Knowledge: Choose investigators who understand Singapore’s divorce laws and evidentiary requirements
Ethical Practices: Reputable agencies like BSPI conduct investigations within strict ethical and legal guidelines
Confidentiality: Your case details should be handled with absolute confidentiality

The Investigation Process

When you engage a private investigator in Singapore for a divorce case, the process typically follows these steps:

Initial Consultation: Discussing your suspicions, providing relevant information, and establishing objectives
Investigation Planning: Determining appropriate surveillance methods and timelines
Evidence Gathering: Conducting surveillance and collecting documentation
Report Preparation: Compiling findings into a comprehensive, court-admissible report
Expert Testimony: If required, providing professional testimony to support the evidence

Legal and Ethical Considerations

It’s essential to understand that while private investigators in Singapore can legally gather evidence for divorce proceedings, they must operate within strict parameters:

They cannot trespass on private property
They must comply with the Personal Data Protection Act
They cannot harass or intimidate the subject of investigation
They cannot access private communications without proper authorisation

Conclusion

A skilled private investigator in Singapore can be an invaluable ally when navigating the challenging terrain of divorce proceedings. By providing legally sound evidence, professional documentation, and expert insights, they help strengthen your case and potentially expedite the resolution process.

Whether you’re seeking to prove adultery, uncover hidden assets, or gather evidence for child custody matters, professional investigation services offer the objective documentation needed to support your claims in Singapore’s Family Courts.

Remember that timing is crucial—especially in adultery cases where evidence must be gathered promptly—so engaging investigative services at the earliest suspicion can make a substantial difference in your divorce outcome.