How Much Does a Private Detective’s Infidelity Investigation Cost? A Complete Guide to Pricing
When you can’t forgive your partner’s cheating and are determined to uncover the truth, a professional infidelity investigation can help. With solid evidence, you can demand compensation or consider divorce. But if you’ve never hired a detective before, the potential costs might feel uncertain.
In this article, we’ll break down the pricing structure and give you an idea of what to expect when hiring a private investigator for a cheating spouse case. Use this as a reference when considering your options.
How Much Does a Detective’s Infidelity Investigation Cost?
Costs Can Range from ¥100,000 to Over ¥1,000,000
You may wonder, “How much money should I prepare?” Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer. Detective fees for an infidelity investigation can start as low as around ¥100,000 and can exceed ¥1,000,000. The price varies greatly depending on the difficulty and duration of the investigation. There are no fixed industry-wide rates, and each agency sets its own.
For example, the same type and length of investigation might cost ¥800,000 at Agency A but ¥600,000 at Agency B. Differences of several tens of thousands of yen are common. Pricing structures also differ among agencies, which can further affect costs. Knowing that prices vary widely is essential before seeking a quote.
Average Costs
Although each agency differs, you can still get a general sense of reasonable rates. The Japan Detective Association surveyed agencies and found that the average hourly rate for conduct and infidelity investigations by a two-person team generally exceeds ¥10,000 per hour.
According to their survey, a large percentage of agencies charge between ¥10,000 and ¥25,000 per hour for two investigators, with most falling around or above ¥10,000 per hour. Keeping this figure in mind can help you judge whether a quoted price is higher or lower than average.
What’s Included in Infidelity Investigation Fees?
Personnel Costs
The bulk of infidelity investigation costs come from personnel expenses. Most investigations require a team of two or three investigators. Agencies may charge by the hour, the day, or a flat rate for manpower, depending on their pricing model.
Expenses
Expenses like transportation, lodging (for out-of-town investigations), and specialized equipment use may also be included. If you request an investigation in a distant location—like a spouse’s business trip destination—these costs could rise. Clarify expenses when getting a quote if you have questions.
Fees for Reports and Documentation
At the end of an investigation, detectives compile a report that summarizes their findings. This “investigation report” can serve as crucial evidence if you proceed to mediation or court. Some portion of the fee covers creating this document. Without it, your evidence might not hold up legally.
How to Reduce Infidelity Investigation Costs
If two agencies offer similar services but at different prices, you’ll naturally gravitate toward the cheaper option. Here are some ways to manage costs:
Choose the Right Pricing Structure
Detective agencies typically offer one of three pricing models:
- Hourly or daily rates
- Flat-rate (package) plans
- Success-based fees
If you only need them to investigate on a particular day, hourly or daily rates might be cheaper. Conversely, if you expect a longer investigation or uncertain duration, a package deal or success-based fee structure may be more cost-effective.
Provide Information in Advance
Regardless of the pricing model, shorter investigations and simpler tasks cost less. If you suspect a specific day or have some details about the suspected lover, share that with the agency. Streamlining the investigation can save time and money, making it easier to find evidence quickly.
Compare Quotes from Multiple Agencies
Don’t just accept the first agency’s price at face value. Request estimates from several agencies and compare their prices, billing models, and customer service. This way, you can confirm whether the proposed cost aligns with industry standards.
By understanding the pricing structures, average costs, and tips for reducing expenses, you’ll be better prepared when approaching a private detective agency for infidelity investigations.
