Boston PI?

January 14, 2007 1:07 PM

Does anyone have a recommendation for a private investigator/detective in the Boston area? Any tips for finding the best one, or helpful experiences working with one to share?

All of the ones I've found online look like they were made ten years ago by their brother when he was fooling around with html, they can't write a coherent sentence, and they sound like losers who became PIs so they could satisfy their ego...not very reassuring. This is for identifying the person my spouse is dating, and I don't want to hire some fool who will botch an investigation. Where do I start? (private answers can go to [e-mail]) Thank you!

posted by anonymous to law & government (3 comments total)

A list of some agencies in the state can be found here. Or you can try searching this site. I've heard of someone using Elite and being satisfied with their services, but I don't know enough to make a recommendation.
posted by Sprout the Vulgarian at 3:11 PM on January 14, 2007

Given that this is probably a significant financial and emotional commitment on your part I would check around and find which PIs are used by the reputable attorneys in town. If you can not find out through several attorneys or law firms you might ask potential PIs for references including which firms / attorneys have retained them.
posted by rmhsinc at 4:20 PM on January 14, 2007

Ask the lawyers is exactly the right advice. Matrimonial work is very specific in its requirements, and divorce lawyers will know the right PIs to hire, and, more importantly, whether you should hire a PI in your situation.

Hiring a PI can backfire on you, as it can supply a basis for harassment allegations which in turn might support ex parte restraining orders and other bad things. That has to be weighed against the relatively low value that proof of infidelity provides you -- it doesn't move the dial on property settlements, child custody or alimony in most situations, unless you've got a prenup with a penalty clause. Where a PI really comes in handy is if you suspect your spouse or ex of drug abuse or child abuse, or there's something unsavory enough about spouse/ex's new flame that the mere association could hurt their case for child custody.
posted by MattD at 4:30 PM on January 14, 2007