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Detective Column

This column is the English version of a column written in Japan.

Disclaimer
This column was originally written in Japanese and has been translated into English for your convenience. Please note that the legal information and references discussed here apply specifically to Japanese laws and regulations. If you require legal advice or information relevant to your own country, we recommend consulting a qualified professional who is knowledgeable about the laws in your area.

Thinking of Hiring an Investigation Agency for an Infidelity Check? How Long Does It Take?

When you hire a private detective or investigation agency, there are various services available: background checks, headhunting investigations, stalking inquiries, and more. Among these, infidelity investigations are particularly common. They aim to uncover your partner’s unfaithful behavior or secure evidence of it. But many people wonder, “How long does an infidelity investigation actually take?” In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of hiring a professional for infidelity investigations and explain how long the process may take.

Suspicious Signs of Infidelity: What’s the Purpose of an Infidelity Investigation?

Your partner’s behavior might be raising red flags: “Since she started working, my wife’s been going out for drinks more often,” or “My husband’s business trips have increased, and he’s rarely at home on weekends because he claims to be working.” Such actions can make you suspect infidelity.

Some people choose to turn a blind eye, hoping not to worsen the relationship. However, marriage is long-term, and continuing to ignore the possibility of infidelity can become problematic. There may come a time when you can no longer disregard it, or when it starts affecting parent-child relationships. You might need to demand that your partner stop cheating, or discuss whether you can still live together.

At such a moment, the key question is: “Are they really cheating?” While you can try to investigate on your own, if your partner realizes you’re suspicious, they may hide evidence and the relationship could deteriorate further. Without solid proof, simply saying, “You’re cheating, aren’t you?” won’t make them confess. You’ll end up stuck in a cycle of denial and accusations.

To have a calm and productive conversation, you need undeniable evidence. This is where professional investigators come in. By requesting an “infidelity investigation,” you can obtain concrete proof of what your partner and their lover are doing behind the scenes.

The Benefits of an Infidelity Investigation

According to one investigation agency, infidelity inquiries make up about 80% of their requests. As the name suggests, these investigations can confirm whether your partner is cheating and gather the evidence you need. Let’s look at three key benefits of hiring an agency.

Securing Strong Evidence for Court

If your partner’s infidelity leads to divorce, and negotiations or mediation become complicated, you may face a divorce trial. In that scenario, the evidence you present to the judge could be a “investigation report” prepared by a detective or agency.

It’s said that not all evidence is equally valid in court. You need proof that a third party would recognize as continuous adultery. Simply claiming “I saw them cheating!” without photos, recordings, or other materials won’t leave a strong impression.

Since detectives and agencies have extensive experience in infidelity cases, they know how to gather evidence that holds up in court. Their investigation report often provides the decisive edge needed to win a lawsuit. Even though most divorces are settled through negotiation, having this form of evidence ready is a significant advantage.

Collecting Evidence Without Your Direct Involvement

Trying to gather infidelity evidence on your own can be exhausting and time-consuming. You can’t realistically monitor your partner 24/7, and their phone is likely locked. Asking people around them could reveal your suspicions, affecting not only your partner’s perception but also that of their friends or colleagues. This might put you at a disadvantage if divorce proceedings occur.

On the other hand, hiring a detective or agency lets you collect evidence efficiently without any direct effort on your part. A reputable agency conducts investigations with strict confidentiality. According to client testimonials, it’s incredibly rare for anyone—your partner or their acquaintances—to find out you hired an investigator.

If you want to gather proof smoothly and discreetly, hiring an agency is a wise choice.

Freeing Yourself from Constant Doubt

While hiring an investigator incurs costs, one major benefit worth considering is the emotional relief it can bring. Infidelity is a severe betrayal, and for the person who’s been cheated on, feelings of anger and sadness can be overwhelming. Some people become so distressed during the suspicion phase that they need medical help. Without trust in your partner and with growing resentment toward the lover, the emotional damage can be immeasurable.

Infidelity investigations can reveal the truth, allowing you to escape the anguish of uncertainty. Discussing infidelity with close friends may be difficult, leaving many people to suffer alone. If it turns out your partner really is cheating, you could seek compensation from them and their lover for the emotional distress. If you’re currently suffering, consider at least looking into an investigation as a step toward relief.

How Long Does the Investigation Take?

Infidelity investigations don’t wrap up overnight. They may involve:

  • Identifying the lover and the places they meet
  • Capturing photographic or video evidence of the affair
  • Verifying the information multiple times before preparing a final report

Because of these multiple steps, it’s natural to wonder about the duration of the investigation.

Timeframe Varies with the Scope and Clues

Some investigations might finish in as little as three days, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If your partner is extremely cautious—moving separately from their lover or cleverly hiding meeting places—the investigation becomes more challenging and takes longer. Conversely, even a seemingly complex case might yield evidence quickly.

Naturally, the longer the investigation, the higher the potential cost. If you’re uncertain about the timeframe, consider consulting the agency upfront. They can advise you on what duration might be appropriate.

Pros and Cons of Shorter vs. Longer Investigation Periods

If the investigation period is shorter, the cost tends to be lower (though this may vary depending on the fee structure). However, less time might mean weaker evidence—without multiple instances of infidelity documented, you may lack the “continuous adultery” proof needed in court.

On the flip side, a longer investigation may be more expensive but can yield stronger and more abundant evidence. If you’re planning to use this evidence in mediation or trial, it’s worth considering a more extended timeframe.

Conclusion

Among the services offered by detectives and agencies, infidelity investigations are the most in-demand. As divorce rates rise, marital problems persist. While infidelity investigations can take time, they ultimately provide solid evidence that can lead to smoother discussions or negotiations.

If you’re troubled by your partner’s potential infidelity, consider reaching out to a detective agency. They may offer the clarity you need to move forward, whatever that path may be.

Japanese Detective Column