Top Reasons People Hire a Private Investigator – And Why It’s More Common Than You Think

When people imagine hiring a private investigator, they often picture dramatic movie scenes: trench coats, night-vision binoculars, and high-speed chases through back alleys. In reality, private investigators are everyday professionals who help individuals, attorneys, families, and businesses get answers they can’t obtain on their own. Whether it’s finding a missing person, verifying someone’s identity, documenting suspicious behavior, or gathering evidence for a legal case, private investigators play a far more practical and essential role than most people realize.

At Kinsey Investigations, a trusted, woman-owned private investigation agency serving Los Angeles, Orange County, and surrounding areas, we work with clients from all walks of life. Many come to us feeling overwhelmed, confused, or stuck. They’re not looking for drama; they’re looking for the truth. And today, hiring a PI is not only common – it’s often the smartest first step when your personal safety, family, or future is on the line.

Here are the top reasons ordinary people hire private investigators, and why doing so has become more mainstream than ever.

1. Suspicions of Infidelity or Relationship Concerns

One of the most widely recognized reasons for hiring a private investigator is suspicions of cheating. While this topic is emotionally sensitive, it’s more common than many realize. People often seek clarity when their partner’s behavior changes abruptly: sudden secrecy about their phone, late-night “work obligations,” unexplained expenses, or emotional withdrawal.

Still, confronting a partner without evidence rarely leads to answers. It can escalate tension, increase dishonesty, or make the situation more confusing.

A private investigator provides:

• Discreet, lawful surveillance
• Documentation of daily activities
• Verification of online interactions
• Evidence that either confirms or dismisses concerns

For many clients, the goal isn’t simply to “catch” someone, it’s to find peace of mind. Knowing the truth allows them to make decisions with confidence instead of living in uncertainty.

2. Child Custody, Co-Parenting Conflicts, and Family Court Cases

Family court is one of the most emotionally charged areas of law. When children are involved, emotions escalate quickly, especially if one parent suspects unsafe behavior, neglect, or unstable living environments. Courts rely on evidence, not accusations, and that’s where private investigators step in.

PIs can help:

• Document unsafe or inappropriate conditions
• Confirm whether a parent is following custody schedules
• Identify dangerous associates who may be around the child
• Monitor drug or alcohol abuse
• Establish patterns of behavior relevant to custody decisions

Kinsey Investigations frequently works alongside family law attorneys to provide accurate, objective documentation that helps judges make informed decisions. In many cases, PI evidence helps protect children who cannot advocate for themselves.

3. Locating Missing People and Reconnecting Families

People go missing for many reasons – not all of them dramatic or criminal. Sometimes it’s a runaway teen, an estranged family member, a biological parent, or someone who simply dropped off the radar years ago. Other times, individuals disappear intentionally to avoid debt, responsibilities, or legal obligations.

Private investigators use a combination of:

• Database searches
• Skip tracing
• Interviews
• Social media and digital footprints
• Public records
• On-the-ground investigative work

While law enforcement is limited in the cases it can take on, PIs can devote time and resources to finding people who aren’t considered “missing persons” under police guidelines. Many families reconnect because a PI was able to locate someone they’ve been searching for for years.

4. Background Checks for Personal Safety and Peace of Mind

With so much of life now occurring online, from dating to hiring caregivers or contractors, verifying someone’s identity has never been more essential. This is another area where hiring a PI has become increasingly common.

Clients hire private investigators for background checks when:

• Starting a new relationship with someone met online
• Hiring caregivers for children, seniors, or vulnerable adults
• Vetting tenants or roommates
• Screening business partners or investors
• Confirming someone’s employment, education, or identity

While automated background-check websites exist, they’re often inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated. PIs provide context, verification, and customized research that helps clients make informed decisions.

5. Uncovering Fraud, Financial Deception, or Hidden Assets

Financial misconduct is far more common than many people think. Individuals and businesses seek help from private investigators when they suspect:

• Hidden bank accounts
• Undisclosed real estate or assets
• Underreported income
• Elder financial abuse
• Investment fraud
• Embezzlement or corporate theft
• Divorce-related financial deception

Using detailed research, financial analysis, and investigative tools, PIs can identify red flags and uncover concealed behavior. This information can be invaluable during divorces, business disputes, estate planning, and legal proceedings.

6. Evidence of Harassment, Stalking, or Threatening Behavior

Harassment and stalking cases are often difficult to prove, especially when incidents happen sporadically or occur online. Many victims feel frightened but helpless, unsure how to protect themselves or gather admissible evidence.

PIs can:

• Document suspicious activity
• Capture patterns of stalking or harassment
• Gather video or photographic evidence
• Identify anonymous cyberstalkers
• Provide information needed for restraining orders
• Work alongside attorneys and law enforcement

For many clients, hiring a PI is the first step toward reclaiming their safety and peace of mind. As a woman-owned agency, Kinsey Investigations approaches these cases with deep compassion, patience, and sensitivity.

7. Corporate Investigations and Workplace Concerns

Businesses also rely on private investigators for help with issues that threaten financial stability or workplace safety. Corporations hire PIs for:

• Suspected employee theft
• Workers compensation fraud
• Harassment or hostile workplace complaints
• Internal misconduct
• Unethical business practices
• Due diligence in mergers or partnerships

PIs offer impartial investigation, something internal HR teams may struggle to provide, especially when the suspected issue involves employees at different organizational levels.

8. Legal Support and Evidence Gathering for Attorneys

Attorneys work closely with private investigators during civil, family, and criminal cases. While attorneys focus on legal strategy, PIs gather the facts needed to support that strategy.

Private investigators help by:

• Locating witnesses
• Interviewing individuals involved in the case
• Serving legal documents
• Gathering surveillance footage
• Collecting and verifying statements
• Compiling evidence packages

A strong investigative foundation can dramatically improve the outcome of a case.

Why Hiring a PI Is a Practical, Empowering Choice

Hiring a private investigator isn’t unusual, it’s pragmatic. It’s smart. And it’s often the fastest way to get clear, unbiased answers in situations where emotions, uncertainty, or secrecy cloud the truth.

From relationship concerns to custody disputes, workplace issues, safety problems, or legal cases, private investigators help people move forward with confidence. Kinsey Investigations brings professionalism, compassion, and years of experience to every case, offering support when clients need it most.

If you’re facing uncertainty and need real answers, we’re here to help.

Contact Kinsey Investigations today for a free, confidential consultation – and take the first step toward clarity, security, and peace of mind.