What Can a Detective’s Infidelity Investigation Reveal?How It Can Give You an Advantage in Divorce Court
If you suspect your partner of infidelity, hiring a private detective or investigation agency can help you obtain solid evidence. When you request an investigation, you’ll receive documentation such as an “investigation report.” But what exactly can you learn from the results of such an investigation? Also, you might wonder, “I’ve hired an investigator, but can I use this evidence in a divorce trial?” In this article, we’ll explain what you can find out through an infidelity investigation and how its results can be used effectively in court.
What Does an Infidelity Investigation Reveal?
An infidelity investigation can determine:
- Whether your partner is actually engaging in an extramarital affair
- The identity, address, workplace, and other details of the third party
While these are the main points, the details go far beyond just “who, when, and where.” A thorough report might include precise information like: “On [Month/Day/Time] in [City, Osaka Prefecture], the following was confirmed…” The report often contains not only written observations but also photographic, video, and audio evidence. Weather conditions, surrounding circumstances—information you could only know by being on-site—are also typically included.
For legal purposes, “adultery” generally refers to ongoing sexual relations with the same individual. A single one-night stand or a single visit to an adult entertainment venue typically may not qualify as an adulterous act under the law.
For instance, even if you personally snap a photo of your spouse entering a hotel with someone else, it might not be enough to prove continuous infidelity. Also, a single photo of them entering a hotel without a corresponding “exit” photo may not conclusively establish adultery. Such evidence can be considered weak since it doesn’t prove a pattern or the full extent of their relationship.
Furthermore, it’s crucial that you can clearly identify both your partner and the alleged third party in the evidence. Gathering such high-quality evidence on your own can be extremely challenging. A skilled detective or reputable agency, with their professional equipment and surveillance techniques, can secure the definitive proof you need.
It’s also important to identify the third party involved. If you know their identity, you can send them a letter via certified mail, potentially formalize legal arrangements, or even request compensation for emotional distress. If you plan to seek damages, beginning with a professional infidelity investigation is highly recommended.
What Is an Investigation Report?
The “investigation report” is the document summarizing all the findings from the infidelity investigation. It includes detailed timelines, locations, and durations of meetings between your partner and the other party. Within the report, you’ll find clear photographs showing both individuals present at the specified locations, along with a chronological narrative of their activities.
In many cases, the report will also come with supplemental materials, such as DVDs containing video footage and possibly audio recordings captured during the investigation. These videos are often edited for clarity—adjusting brightness and focus—so that anyone reviewing them can clearly see who went where and when. Timestamps are usually displayed on the footage, reinforcing the credibility of the evidence. Essentially, the investigation report is a carefully compiled file demonstrating from a third-party perspective that adultery took place.
The Investigation Report as a Strong Piece of Evidence in Court
How exactly is this investigation report used? Some scenarios include:
- Presenting it to your partner to make them acknowledge their infidelity
- Sending a certified letter to the third party involved
- Submitting it as evidence in a divorce trial
As mentioned earlier, investigation reports can be submitted to your attorney and then presented as evidence in court. They carry weight because they contain verifiable details demonstrating ongoing adulterous behavior. Unlike personal attempts to gather evidence—which might lack thorough documentation or corroboration—an investigation report is supported by multiple layers of verification. This makes it more credible and fact-based.
In a divorce trial, it’s the judge—a neutral third party—who decides whether a divorce is granted and on what terms. Therefore, you must consider how convincing the evidence will be to someone completely impartial. While a single photo you took of your spouse entering a hotel with someone else may count as some form of evidence, a professional investigation report prepared by a detective or agency typically leaves a stronger impression. Indeed, numerous court cases have seen plaintiffs achieve favorable outcomes by submitting these reports as evidence of infidelity.
What to Check When You Receive the Investigation Report
Having understood the importance of the investigation report, it’s also essential to know what to look for once you have it in your hands.
Confirm There Are No Errors
Even the best investigators can make occasional mistakes such as typos, misidentified individuals, or inaccurate details. Carefully review the report to ensure everything aligns with known facts.
Check the Clarity of Photographs
Photographs within the report must clearly show your partner and the other individual involved. Check for any images that are blurry, out of focus, or make it difficult to identify locations or faces. Long-established agencies with extensive experience usually excel at capturing high-quality images that meet these requirements.
Review Sample Reports Before Hiring
Before you hire an agency, it’s wise to ask for sample investigation reports. There is no industry-standard format for these reports, so examining samples will help you understand if the agency can provide the type of information and clarity you need.
Conclusion
When you hire a detective to investigate infidelity, you can obtain reliable evidence—often in the form of an investigation report—that would be hard to collect on your own. Such reports can make a strong impact in divorce proceedings, serving as credible, third-party evidence of adulterous behavior.
However, remember that each agency or detective works differently and has its own standards for report creation. Choosing a trustworthy, skilled agency can significantly influence how much this evidence helps you later on. If you’re considering hiring a detective, start by consulting with one and resolving any questions you may have regarding the investigation report before you proceed.
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.
