Trinity Investigations

Your Louisiana and Texas child custody private investigator understands that there are many things that can affect your child’s safety in custodial situations. We also understand that child custody and visitation investigations are usually the most crucial issue in a divorce or custody dispute. In determining the custody of a minor, most courts are usually guided by one standard – the best interest of the child. If it is not in the best interest of your child to be in the custody or visitation of the other guardian, we will find the evidence during the course of our child custody and visitation investigations to provide you with proof for your custodial hearing.

Child custody problems are more prevalent than most people care to accept. Many parents are now raising their children while they are separated or divorced from their other parent. After a divorce, most people usually form new relationships or remarry. This can cause stress over a child’s well being and influence by the other parent.

Custody arrangements are usually made based on evidence at the time of the divorce or custodial hearing. That is why it is prudent to ensure the safety of your child by checking out the new partner in your spouse’s life. Your child’s safety and welfare are precious to you. That is why you need to make sure that your child has no further undo hardships from an abusive or dangerous influence.

The court must take into consideration many factors when determining who will be the custody parent and visitation for the non-custodial parent. Normally, the court will rely on evidence of a parent’s ability to parent and provide for a clean, healthy, safe and happy environment. Though it is important, normally, that each parent or known guardian remain a strong part of a child’s life, it is equally important that your child not be in an unhealthy environment. When it comes to your children’s best interest, let our skilled child custody investigators be your source in providing evidence to support your clams.

What are the signs that there may be a problem:

• Child develops a change in that they do not want to spend time with the other parent
• Child returns to the custodial parent with signs of neglect
• Child returns home with visible signs of abuse
• Child becomes withdrawn when the time comes near to visit the other parent
• The child looses interest in school or friends
• The child displays signs of violence
• Child begins to curse
• Child talks about sexual activities or plays with dolls/toys in sexual manner
• Child becomes verbally abusive
• Child complains that the other parent leaves them alone to be with new partner

Louisiana provides two different standards for modification of child custody orders. If the order is based on stipulation of the parties, a court may modify the order if there has been "a material change in circumstances since the original decree and ... the proposed modification is in the best interest of the child."  If the custody award is a "considered decree" however, then what is known as the Bergeron rule applies and the party seeking modification must prove that "continuation of the present custody is so deleterious to the child as to justify a modification of the custody decree, or [that there is] clear and convincing evidence that the harm likely to be caused by the change of environment is substantially outweighed by its advantages to the child."   The Louisiana courts have held that even order based on the parties' agreement can be "considered decrees" if there is evidence that the court weighed the evidence in the case in approving the settlement or if the parties stipulate to the higher burden of proof in the agreement itself.

If you are facing a considered Decree let the investigators at Trinity Investigations help you with your Child Custody Dispute. 

The above information should not be considered as legal advice. The views and opinions contained herein are based on our personal experience and knowledge. Before making any decisions regarding any matter involving information contained herein, we recommend that you seek legal advice from a qualified attorney.

"The child is God's best gift to the family and needs both mother and father because each one shows God's love in a special way."

TEN STEPS TO HELP WITH YOUR CHILD CUSTODY CASE:

Always hire an experienced family law lawyer. Before hiring the attorney, ask them to provide you with a list of the judges that they present cases to? Also, ask them to provide you with information regarding their success rate for their clients. 

 Private investigators work with you and your attorney to help you secure evidence that will be beneficial in your case. Hiring an experienced private investigator like those from Trinity Investigations will give you an extra edge. Documented physical evidence such as video taped images is hard to over come and provides the judge with visual evidence from a third party.

 Don’t be afraid to ask your attorney or private investigator questions. Remember, they work for you! Become knowledgeable in your case and the laws that will help you to win your case. Develop an action plan with your attorney to help you prevail at trial. The investigators at Trinity Investigations provide our clients with regular updates. You should expect the same from other professionals that you use in your case.

Document conversations between you and the other parent. Buy an inexpensive hand held tape recorder and record conversations between you and the other parent. Private investigators can not provide legal advice, but it is generally accepted that Louisiana law does allow for this as long as one party is part of the conversation. (be sure to always check with your attorney for legal advice before you begin with this type of documentation)

 Try to avoid mental health evaluations and never accept the opposing lawyers suggested evaluator if you are forced into having to do this. Carefully review all of your options with your attorney regarding these evaluations before making any decisions that will affect your case. 

If at all possible, do not stipulate and have your day in court. Do not assume that you will not prevail. Men are especially reluctant to go to trial because they wrongly assume that men will not ever get custody. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to prevail at trial. Be sure that you review all of your options with your attorney before making a decision that will affect your case. Hiring competent legal representation, investigators and other professionals will give you a better opportunity to win your case.

Mediation is another option that you should consider not accepting. If you could agree on things before, then you would not be in court now. It is our experience that mediation is an option that you should carefully consider with your attorney.

Learn to co-parent with your ex during this time. Take the lead and be in charge during this time. It will help the children as well as your case.

 Always document your conversations and other activity involving your children. One way is to have a calendar where you record the events of that day. An example might be that you had to pick up the child for school and take them for a doctor’s appointment. Be sure to keep records for all expenses for your children during this period.

Lastly, your children are important to you. Be sure that you work with your attorney, investigator or other professional to help you prepare for your case. Provide them all of the necessary information, no matter how trivial to help you with your case.

These steps will also help you win your case if you are facing the Bergeron rule in your Child Custody Case.

The above information should not be considered as legal advice. The views and opinions contained herein are based on our personal experience and knowledge. Before making any decisions regarding any matter involving information contained herein, we recommend that you seek legal advice from a qualified attorney.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. I have the necessary experience which will help you solve your family law issues.  Consider our investigative firm for your family law investigative needs. We can be contacted 24 hours a day at 318-742-8857 or Toll Free at 866-SPYACES (779-2237)