I’ve investigated and testified in family law and child custody cases in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. I’m sharing what I think it takes to win. No one can predict a trial or case outcome, but there are many steps you need to take to maximize your chances. The keys to success? Teamwork and hard […]
Client selection and case selection play large parts of how we run our business. These decisions not only impact our bank account but help ensure client satisfaction and results. I like to explain how we work because there are so many misunderstandings about exactly what we do and how we do it. I can’t speak […]
At least three or four times a year we handle calls from potential clients who are wondering if they are dating a married man. It’s not as simple as one might think to learn a person’s marital status in California. There is no single database of marriage and divorce information in California. There used to […]
In a seller’s real estate market, the burden is even greater for the buyer to do due diligence and decision making lightning fast. Bar none, buying a house is the biggest financial decision you make in your life. Choose wisely and not only do you enjoy the space and neighborhood where you and your family […]
Fast, cheap and good never go together. After you read my diatribe, read about an app that has real private investigators shaking our heads. The concept is that people will pay $150 for two hours of spot surveillance on their possibly cheating partner, spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend or maybe on someone they don’t even know. […]
Two concurrent events. I found a draft copy of my investigative thesis for graduate journalism school nearly 25 years ago and then last week completed an online class in social media and background investigations. I’ve investigated for a quarter of a century so I’m taking stock of the changes and differences from then to now. […]
I listened to the Serial podcast in two ways, as a former journalist and as a private investigator. We tend to be excessively critical when we watch, read or listen to something we know something about or do for a living. I discuss the show as a private eye who handles criminal defense investigations and […]
I receive many calls from people wanting to find people. In the PI business these are known as “locates” or locate assignments. The first question is almost always: how much will it cost? I then ask a few questions of the client: What is the reason for the search? Is it associated with a legal […]
I’m just coming back from a great visit with my elderly parents. They have battled health problems but are both mentally sharp. They still live in their home, have each other and a mob of children and grandchildren to regularly check in on them. But about a year or two ago my well-educated, savvy dad […]
This interview with partner/manager Mike Spencer ran recently in Pursuit Magazine. It’s published to give readers and potential clients an idea of how Mr. Spencer’s past work affects his current work and his dedication to his job. + Q&A: Mike Spencer, Bay Area Private Investigator Q&A: Mike Spencer, Bay Area Private Investigator 02 Oct 2014 […]
