Nothing could be more devastating than the thought of losing your child in a custody battle. Ideally, children would be blessed with two loving parents who provide safe, healthy, loving and stable homes, but this is not always the case. Under these circumstances, the child or children should remain in the custody of the more qualified parent. 

If the parents are unable to reach an agreement as to whom that is, the court will decide custody matters based on what is in the “best Interest” of the child. However, with divorce proceedings on the rise, millions of children are trapped in legal battles the court system is ill-equipped to handle. As a result, children are being subjected to visitation or habitation with unfit parents at an equally alarming rate. 

Child Custody/Visitation Investigations are undertaken to determine if the “Other” Parent is treating your child properly, ensuring their safety and protecting them from improper or dangerous environments or situations. In other words, are they fit and qualified for custody or visitation. 

There are many factors the court will consider when making custodial decisions, they include:

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· Stability, health, lifestyle and schedules

· Criminal Records and/or activity

· Evidence of child abuse or neglect

· Unfounded accusations of abuse or neglect by one parent about the other

· History or complaints of violence against a parent

· Evidence of Alcohol or drug abuse

· Parenting skills

· Means to provide food, shelter, and education for the child

· Home environment

· Morality of the parents

· Emotional and physical health

· Parents willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent

· Abduction or abandonment of the child or other defiance of legal process

· Care and affection shown to the child

· Financial standing

· Parents past and current conduct

· Acceptability of parents associates

In a custody battle, it is your responsibility to provide proof of your allegations. For this reason, a qualified private investigator can be essential. A licensed private investigator’s findings, objective courtroom testimony and video documentation will always have more credence in court than a parent’s accusations. 

Collier Investigations' can discover and document undesirable behavior like reckless driving, criminal activity, alcoholism, drugs, gambling, physical abuse, neglect, parental alienation, or other conduct that may affect a child’s welfare. 

Unfortunately, parents may fight for the custody of their child simply to hurt the other parent. In many cases, the parent seeking full custody doesn't have the time or the desire to take care of the child full time. A Child Custody Investigation can document the lack of time being spent with the child and that evidence can be presented in court to prove your case.