Child Custody Investigations gather facts about a child's care during a parenting dispute, such as who the child is with, compliance with contact arrangements and safety concerns. Send one request and independent investigators reply with availability and prices.
Describe your concern briefly and get quotes for a custody investigation.
Request a Private Investigation QuoteWhat It Involves
- Surveillance. Observing handovers, school runs and contact visits in public places.
- Compliance checks. Recording whether a parenting plan or court order is followed.
- Background checks. On a new partner or someone living with the child, using lawful records.
- Witness statements. From people with direct knowledge.
Who It Helps
Parents and grandparents with concerns about a child's safety or care, and family law attorneys who need facts for parenting plan, contact or relocation matters.
What to Send First
- Your first name and a safe way to contact you.
- Your area.
- The concern in one or two sentences.
- Whether attorneys or a court are already involved.
Do not send photos of children, court papers or reports through the request form.
How It Works
- Consultation. The investigator discusses the concern, ideally with your attorney.
- Plan. Specific days, times and checks are agreed.
- Investigation. Surveillance, record checks and statements.
- Report. A factual, dated report your attorney can assess.
Limits
Investigators may not intercept calls or messages, access phones, email or social media accounts, place tracking devices on vehicles you do not own, or obtain bank, phone or medical records without consent or a court order. Investigators do not assess what is in a child's best interests. That is for the court, the Family Advocate and qualified professionals. If a child is in immediate danger, contact SAPS or a social worker first. No outcome can be guaranteed.
Child Custody Investigations Prices
Ballpark prices so you can sanity-check a quotation.
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Single day of surveillance | From R6,500 |
| Custody investigation, per case | R9,500 - R25,000 |
| Background check on a third party | R550 - R2,000 |
| Investigator hourly rate | R500 - R2,000 per hour |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Indicative ballpark figures in rand, rounded. They are compiled from prices published by South African investigation firms and typical market rates. They are not our prices or quotations, and no investigator is bound by them. Confirm VAT, travel and what each quotation includes.
Get a price for your case rather than a range. Send one request, with no obligation.
Request a Private Investigation QuoteWhat Affects the Price
- Days of surveillance. The main cost driver.
- Additional checks. Background checks and statements add cost.
- Court involvement. Affidavits or testifying are usually billed separately.
- Travel. Contact visits in other towns add travel costs.
Child Custody Investigations FAQs
Can a private investigator's report be used in a custody case?
It can support your attorney's case, but the court decides what weight it carries. Discuss it with your attorney first.
Can an investigator follow my child?
Investigators observe adults and situations in public places. Work involving children must be handled carefully and lawfully.
Should I involve my attorney?
Yes. Your attorney can guide what evidence is relevant and how it should be gathered.
What if my child is in danger?
Contact SAPS, the Childline helpline or a social worker immediately. An investigation is not a substitute.
Related Services
Request custody investigation quotes through Private Investigators South Africa and compare each investigator's plan, hours and reporting.
Private Investigators South Africa is a referral and quote service. We do not carry out investigations and we do not employ investigators. Work is quoted and carried out by independent investigators, and your agreement is with the one you choose. Ask for a written quotation and proof of PSIRA registration before you pay a deposit. No investigator can promise a particular result or that evidence will be accepted by a court.
Child Custody Investigations. Describe what you need once and get the best quote, fast.
Request a Private Investigation QuoteGet the Best Quote, Fast
Keep it brief. Do not send ID documents, passwords, intimate images or evidence through this form. Your enquiry is passed only to investigators suited to the job, and you decide whether to go ahead.
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