Child Custody Investigations
When your child’s safety or wellbeing is in question, you need documented facts, not allegations. Stillinger Investigations helps parents and family law attorneys gather lawful, organized evidence of what’s actually happening in the other household — so SC Family Court has something concrete to act on.
SC custody decisions turn on documented fact, not what you believe is happening.
A judge cannot rule based on suspicion. South Carolina custody is determined by the best interests of the child. If the other parent is exposing your child to dangerous behavior, neglect, drug use, or an unsafe environment, you need documented proof. SC also allows fault-based divorce, meaning adultery and misconduct can directly affect both divorce and custody outcomes.
Parental Neglect or Endangerment
Document unsafe living conditions, unsupervised children, or neglectful parenting through lawful, discreet surveillance.
Drug or Alcohol Abuse
A parent under the influence around your child is dangerous. We document substance use in a way courts take seriously in custody decisions.
Dangerous Third-Party Exposure
We verify who is present in your child’s life during custody time, including background checks on new partners and frequent contacts.
Undisclosed Living Situations
Cohabitation, new partners, or unstable housing not disclosed in court — documented and verified.
Visitation Violations
Missed drop-offs, late returns, taking the child outside agreed areas — patterns that affect custody orders when properly documented.
Hidden Income & Support Fraud
We document undisclosed employment and financial activity for parents suspected of hiding income to reduce support obligations.
A clear path from first call to final report.
Confidential consultation
Tell us what you’re seeing and what concerns you. We’ll explain what can lawfully be documented and what the process involves for your specific situation.
Strategy & Planning
We coordinate with your attorney, define surveillance targets, map locations, and assign the right investigator for your area of South Carolina. Most cases begin within 24 to 48 hours.
Active Surveillance
SLED-licensed investigators conduct discreet mobile and stationary surveillance using HD cameras and covert technology. The other parent is never alerted.
Evidence Compilation
All footage, photos, and activity logs compiled into a court-ready package with full timestamps and chain-of-custody documentation.
Child Custody Investigations
Reports, photographs, video, and testimony may assist an attorney or court. Admissibility and legal impact depend on the facts, rules, and decisions made in the specific matter.
Investigators may document observable behavior, purchases, locations, driving, or public conduct. They cannot diagnose impairment or enter private spaces without legal authority.
An investigator may document observable conduct that appears inconsistent with the order. The attorney and court determine whether the conduct legally constitutes a violation.
Potentially. The agency must confirm licensing and legal requirements where the work will occur, or coordinate with an appropriately licensed investigator.
An attorney is not always required, but legal coordination is strongly recommended when litigation is pending. Counsel can identify the issues that need to be established and help keep the investigation aligned with the case.
An investigator may document conduct visible from public places or other lawful vantage points, including exchanges, driving, supervision, locations, routines, and interactions. The investigator cannot trespass or enter private property without authorization.
An investigation may be appropriate when there are concerns about supervision, unsafe conduct, prohibited individuals, substance use, driving, living conditions, custody-order compliance, or another observable issue affecting a child’s welfare.
Not automatically. Interviews involving children require careful consideration and may need coordination with a parent, attorney, guardian ad litem, or other appropriate professional.
Ready to talk?
A confidential consultation is the right place to start. We’ll listen, explain what’s possible, and you decide whether to move forward.