Private Investigator FAQ

Question 1

How do I hire a private investigator?

Accepted Answer

Start by calling (603) 288-2538 or sending a message through our contact form. We'll set up a confidential consultation to discuss your situation, what you're hoping to learn, and whether an investigation is the right next step. If it is, we'll put together a custom plan with a clear scope, timeline, and cost estimate before any work begins.

Question 2

What information do I need to provide?

Accepted Answer

The more detail you can share, the better we can scope the case — names, addresses, photos, vehicle details, known routines or locations, and a summary of what's prompting the investigation. If you don't have all of this yet, that's fine; we can often help track down missing details as part of the investigation itself.

Question 3

Is my consultation confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everything you share with us during your initial consultation and throughout the investigation is kept strictly confidential. We don't discuss your case with anyone outside our firm without your authorization.

Question 4

Do you work cases outside New Hampshire?

Accepted Answer

Yes. OSINT investigations can be conducted anywhere in the world, so location isn't a barrier for open-source research. For cases that cross into Massachusetts, we partner with Hub Security and Investigative Group — we handle the New Hampshire side of the case, and hand off the Massachusetts side to our Hub partners, so everything stays coordinated under one investigation. Beyond that, we also draw on a broader network of investigators across the world for cases that extend further.

Question 5

How much does a private investigator cost?

Accepted Answer

Costs vary based on the type of case, how much fieldwork is involved, and how long surveillance or research needs to run. During your consultation, we'll walk through the specifics of your situation and give you a clear cost estimate up front — no surprise charges once work is underway.

Question 6

How long does an investigation take?

Accepted Answer

Timelines depend on the complexity of the case. Some background checks or record searches can be completed in a few days, while surveillance-based investigations (like infidelity or custody cases) often take longer since they depend on the subject's schedule and behavior patterns. We'll give you a realistic timeframe as part of your custom investigation plan.

Question 7

Do you require a retainer?

Accepted Answer

Most investigations begin with a retainer, which covers the initial scope of work. This is standard practice in the industry and helps ensure the investigation can proceed without interruption. We'll go over retainer amounts and payment structure during your consultation.

Question 8

Can a private investigator conduct surveillance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Surveillance is one of our core services, whether that's monitoring a location, following a subject's movements, or documenting behavior over time. Our investigators are trained to work discreetly and within the bounds of the law.

Question 9

Is the evidence collected admissible in court?

Accepted Answer

We document all findings with the goal of making them court-admissible — timestamped video, photographs, written reports, and records gathered through lawful methods. That said, admissibility ultimately depends on your case and how the evidence is used, so we'd recommend reviewing findings with your attorney as well.

Question 10

Can your investigators testify in court?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When needed, our investigators can testify to the methods used and the findings documented during an investigation.

Question 11

What if the investigation doesn't find anything?

Accepted Answer

Not finding evidence of what you suspected is still a meaningful outcome — it can provide clarity and peace of mind, or point you toward a different explanation. You'll still receive a full written report detailing what was (and wasn't) observed during the investigation.

Question 12

Is hiring a private investigator legal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hiring a licensed private investigator is legal. Licensed investigators must follow state laws and regulations governing surveillance, records access, privacy, evidence collection, and investigative practices. We conduct every investigation professionally, lawfully, and in compliance with applicable state and federal requirements.

Question 13

Can a PI access private records or phone data?

Accepted Answer

No. Licensed investigators are bound by the same privacy laws as everyone else. We can't access private phone records, protected financial data, or other legally restricted information. What we can do is use lawful research techniques, public records, and field investigation methods to gather accurate information.

Question 14

Will the subject know they are being investigated?

Accepted Answer

Discretion is central to how we work. Surveillance and background research are conducted in a way that's designed not to alert the subject. That said, we can't guarantee absolute certainty in every case — our goal is always to minimize the risk of detection while gathering reliable results.