Monthly Archives: March 2022

How to Spot and Handle Financial Infidelity

Did you know about two in five Americans who commingle finances with a partner also have experienced financial infidelity in their relationship?

Financial infidelity occurs when one partner keeps financial secrets from the other. The hidden information can come in many forms, but it’s usually something small enough that doesn’t seem worth mentioning (as opposed to having an offshore bank account like we see in the movies!).

Just because it doesn’t involve sneaking off to have sexual encounters, financial infidelity does involve lies and secrets that can devastate a relationship. If you combine finances with a loved one and wonder if you’re being deceived, here are some signs.

Signs of Common Means of Financial Deception

  • They have a personal savings account at a different bank
  • They open a credit card in their own name or make purchases you never knew about
  • There’s “just a little bit” missing from the weekly budget
  • They blame any deficit on rising grocery costs or similar excuse
  • Their employer pays them partly in cash and they keep that money separate
  • They have one or more credit card bills sent to their office
  • They appear nervous when you open a credit card bill

When to Hire a Private Investigator for Financial Infidelity

Private investigators frequently receive requests from individuals who need help proving their partner’s income–often when it concerns supporting children financially. Trained to uncover the truth, PIs can discover hidden wealth, and even trace how it was earned and where it is kept. Services may include:

  • Investigating financial habits
  • Analyzing income habits, employment verification, searches for assets
  • Observing lifestyle habits, background checks, surveillance

Confronting Financial Cheating

This type of infidelity usually brings up different emotions than adultery when confronted, and often, it can be moved past through open and honest discussions. However, it’s important to realize that it’s still a symptom of an underlying problem in a relationship. Why else would one partner feel the need to hide something from the other?

If you need help verifying your significant other’s income, She Spies Private Eye to discuss the steps we can take for your specific situation. Aside from hidden wealth, we can also investigate possible cheating and infidelity.

This entry was posted in Divorce, Hiring a Private Investigator, Infidelity. Bookmark the permalink.

Using a Private Investigator for Child Custody Issues After Divorce

After a divorce, child custody cases can get heated, with both sides lodging allegations against the other. One of the best ways to shine a light on issues going on behind the scenes is to hire a private investigator (P.I.).

Understanding Child Custody

During a child custody investigation, the first thing you should do is learn about the different types of custody:

  • Legal custody refers to the right to make legal decisions on behalf of the child
  • Physical custody refers to the parent whom the child will live with
  • Sole custody means one parent has the primary role in the child’s life
  • Joint custody means that the parents share responsibility of the type of custody at stake

Child custody determinations are made with the child’s own best interests in mind—regardless of what the parents want. In some cases, using a private investigator for child custody disputes can bring many things to light, including whether a parent is capable of providing a stable home environment or if there are concerns about child abuse or drug use by the noncustodial parent (which would be relevant for visitation determinations).

Having a P.I. on your side can help sway the evidence in one direction, helping you get the information you need to prove your claims.

The Role of a P.I. in Child Custody Cases

  • Interview witnesses – including neighbors, teachers, counselors, parents of friends, and others
  • Asset searches – find evidence of hidden assets, which the client can use to show the other parent is attempting to shirk financial obligations
  • Gather evidence – information related to the case, such as neglect, abuse, parental drug or alcohol use while responsible for the child, use of a babysitter during scheduled time with the child, presence of a romantic partner during custody hours
  • Digital evidence – high-quality pictures or video of the other parent taken in public places
  • Background checks – criminal and personal background checks of the other parent and people they involve in the child’s life
  • Proof of false accusations or custody violations – when a parent is falsely accused of abuse or neglect, or violating custody or visitation agreements

If you’re dealing with custody issues and believe your child’s safety is at risk, you could use a private investigator on your side. She Spies Private Eye knows the legal requirements regarding evidence and can provide testimony and other objective evidence in court. Contact us today to learn more.

This entry was posted in Child Custody, Divorce, Hiring a Private Investigator. Bookmark the permalink.

Keeping Your Kids Safe Online

The internet can be wonderful for kids. They can use it to research school reports, play interactive games, and communicate with their friends. But online access also comes with risks, like inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators.

As a parent or caretaker, it’s up to you to be aware of what your kids see and hear on the internet, who they meet, and what they share about themselves. Here’s some advice to help you.

Basic Guidelines for Kids’ Supervision Online

Teaching kids safe and responsible online behavior is key, and keeping an eye on their internet use is your responsibility.

  • Spend time online together to teach your kids appropriate online behavior
  • Keep the computer in a common area where you can watch and monitor its use, not in individual bedrooms. Monitor any time spent on smartphones or tablets
  • Bookmark kids’ favorite sites for easy access
  • Check your credit card and phone bills for unfamiliar account charges
  • Tell kids to never reveal personal information, such as address, phone number, or school name or location
  • Take your child seriously if he or she reports an uncomfortable online exchange

Use Online Protection Tools

Online tools let you control your kids’ access to adult material and help protect them from predators. Many Internet service providers (ISPs) provide parent-control options, but you can also purchase software that blocks access to sites and restricts personal information from being sent online.

As kids get older, it’s trickier to monitor their time spent online. They probably want—and need—some privacy. You can help ensure a safe “virtual” environment by taking some precautions together.

  • Talk about the sites and apps teens use and their online experiences
  • Discuss the dangers of interacting with strangers online and remind them that people online don’t always tell the truth
  • Explain that passwords are there to protect against things like identity theft. They should never share them with anyone, even a boyfriend, girlfriend, or best friend

Taking an active role in your kids’ online activities helps ensure that they benefit from them without being exposed to the potential dangers. Be sure to stay on top of this delicate experience.

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