When the question is personal, the answer must be discreet.
Discreet, lawful private investigation for South Carolina individuals and families. Whether you’re facing infidelity, a custody crisis, a missing relative, or a relationship that doesn’t add up — we get the documented truth, quietly.
Most personal investigations resolve in 7–21 days. Your subject never knows we were there.
You’ve been told you’re overreacting.
You’re not. The instinct that brought you to this page is data — and it deserves a documented answer.
Most of our personal-investigation clients describe the same arc: they noticed something off weeks or months ago, brushed it aside, then watched the pattern repeat. Friends and family told them to relax. Something inside told them not to.
Stillinger Investigations exists for exactly this moment — when private suspicion has to become a documented, lawful, defensible answer. No drama, no theater, no judgment. Just the truth, quietly gathered, on your timeline, in a format you can actually use.
Common situations we handle for individuals.
Every case starts with a free, confidential consultation. We listen, ask only what we need, and tell you honestly what we can lawfully document.
Infidelity & Cheating Spouse
Discreet surveillance, GPS tracking, and digital forensics for South Carolina fault-divorce cases. Documented adultery directly affects alimony, property division, and custody outcomes.
Child Custody & Safety
Document parental fitness, substance abuse, dangerous third-party exposure, and visitation violations for SC Family Court. Evidence that judges accept.
Missing Persons
Locate estranged family members, runaway teens, missing relatives, or people who’ve simply gone silent. Database research combined with field investigation when database alone isn’t enough.
Online Dating & Cyber Affairs
Verify the person you’ve been talking to is who they claim. Romance-scam investigations, catfish detection, dating app cyber-affair investigations.
Nanny & Childcare Investigations
Pre-hire background investigation on caregivers; covert in-home surveillance to verify behavior with your children when you’re not there.
Nursing Home / Eldercare
Investigate suspected elder abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect in SC nursing facilities. Documented evidence for civil action or law-enforcement referral.
Teen / Runaway Investigations
Locate runaway teens, investigate concerning peer groups, document risky behavior. Coordinated discreetly with parents and SC family law if needed.
Sexual Harassment / Stalking
Document a stalker’s pattern of behavior or a harasser’s communications. Evidence packages built for civil restraining orders, criminal complaints, or workplace HR action.
Five steps. Built around your privacy.
From first call to final report, we move at your pace — and never ask you to do anything that compromises your safety or comfort.
Confidential Call
You speak with a senior investigator — not a sales rep. We listen, ask only what we need, and outline what’s realistic.
Within 1 hourInvestigation Plan
You receive a written investigation plan, realistic timeline, and flat retainer quote. No upsells.
Within 24 hoursDiscreet Fieldwork
SLED-licensed investigators conduct surveillance using unmarked vehicles, professional gear, and total discretion.
7–21 days typicalDocumentation & Report
Organized written summary with supporting media. We walk you through findings privately, on your timeline.
Court-formattedAttorney Coordination
If you proceed legally, we work directly with your attorney to align evidence with your strategy.
SC court readyWhy South Carolina families trust us.
Brian Stillinger, founder and CEO, holds an MBA from the University of Maryland and a B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina. Brian served as a U.S. Marine Military Security Specialist (Presidential Security Detail, 1989–1997) before founding Stillinger Investigations.
Our team of 12 full-time SLED-licensed investigators brings backgrounds in law enforcement, military intelligence, and certified digital forensics. We’re trusted by South Carolina family-law attorneys, insurance carriers, and corporate clients statewide.
- SLED License #1586 — verified at SLED PI & Security Licensing
- 12 full-time licensed investigators — not freelancers
- 125+ years combined investigative experience
- Licensed in South Carolina, North Carolina & Georgia
- Court-qualified expert witness testimony
- In-house Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)
Personal investigation FAQ.
When should I consider hiring a private investigator personally?
Most clients call when they have a suspicion they can’t resolve on their own — a partner who isn’t adding up, a custody arrangement that doesn’t feel safe, an online relationship that may not be what it claims to be, or a missing family member. A consultation is free, completely confidential, and never results in pressure to hire. We’ll tell you honestly whether we can help.
Will my spouse, partner, or subject find out you were hired?
No. Confidentiality is the entire product. We never contact you on a number or email your subject can trace. Our investigators use unmarked vehicles, civilian clothing, and discreet techniques. Your case is shared only with you and any attorney you authorize.
How much does a personal investigation cost in South Carolina?
Personal investigations (infidelity, custody, missing persons) require a $1,500 minimum retainer. Our base rate is $95/hour. Most cases resolve within 7–21 days, often faster. We provide a written quote upfront with no hidden fees.
Is it legal to hire a private investigator to investigate my own family?
Yes — in most situations involving your spouse, your children, or property you own jointly. Some scenarios (e.g., recording private phone calls, accessing devices that aren’t yours) have legal limits. We assess the legality of every action before we take it, so your evidence is admissible and you’re protected.
Can the evidence you gather be used in family court?
Yes. Evidence gathered by a SLED-licensed PI using lawful methods is admissible in SC Family Court. Our investigators are court-qualified to testify, and our reports are formatted to attorney specifications.
What if I’m not sure I want to file in court — I just want to know?
That’s a completely valid reason to hire us. Many clients simply need closure. We provide a confidential report regardless of whether you take legal action. Our only goal is accurate, lawfully obtained information — what you do with it is your choice.
Tell us what you’re facing. Privately.
Your inquiry is privileged from the moment you submit. We never contact you on a number or email your subject can trace.
- Direct line to a senior investigator — not an answering service or sales rep
- 1-hour callback promise — including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Honest assessment — we’ll tell you upfront if we can help, and what it takes
- Complete confidentiality — your inquiry is privileged from the moment you submit
- No pressure, no sales — we’ve never made a single cold-call in 25 years
Or call directly · (803) 400-1974
Send us a message
We typically reply within an hour. Your inquiry is completely confidential.
Get the answers you deserve.
One call. One licensed investigator. One free, fully confidential conversation about exactly what’s possible in your case.
(803) 400-1974