🔍 Episode Description:

In this episode, we explore whether you still need to hire a private investigator—or if you can do most of the work yourself online. If you're involved in any kind of legal case (divorce, probate, fraud, or due diligence), this one's for you.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• ✅ 90% of cases that used to require a private investigator no longer do.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Investigations from the 1970s–1990s are now often obsolete due to the internet.
• 🌐 Tools like Google and social media make it easy to:
  • Run background checks
  • Search for assets
  • Find bank accounts, real estate, and vehicles
  • Discover business involvement and personal activities
• 📸 Social media “stalking” can reveal location history, habits, and photos.
• 🧠 Most private investigation tasks are now DIY-friendly if you're willing to invest time (typically 14–20 hours of research).
• 💸 Hiring an investigator is more about convenience today than necessity.

📎 When You Still Might Need a Licensed PI:

• 🏛️ Court-Admissible Evidence: Courts may require certified or third-party verified evidence.
• 🔍 Surveillance: DIY surveillance can cross into harassment or stalking. A PI knows legal boundaries.
• 🔒 Restricted Access Information: Certain forms or government databases only release data to licensed investigators.
• 🧾 Official Requests: Some legal processes or subpoenaed info might still require licensed access.

🛠️ DIY Tools and Support Available:

• Free online tutorials and guides
• Our website offers:
  • Resources
  • Consultations
  • Training for civilian investigators

💡 Bottom Line:
In most cases, you can perform your own investigation with online tools—saving time and money. But in specific legal situations, hiring a pro still makes sense.