How Our Family Law Investigation Process Works

Step 1: Free Confidential Consultation

We begin every family law investigation with a free, confidential consultation to understand your situation and objectives. During this consultation, we discuss your family court case, evidence requirements, and investigation goals. Our licensed investigators assess your needs and recommend the most effective investigation approach for Sacramento County or Placer County family court proceedings. We provide honest assessments about what evidence can be obtained and how it supports your case.

Step 2: Customized Investigation Plan

Based on your consultation, we develop a detailed investigation plan tailored to your specific family law matter. The plan outlines surveillance schedules, documentation methods, evidence collection strategies, and timeline expectations. We consider Sacramento County Superior Court evidence requirements and California family law standards. Our investigators explain the process, answer your questions, and ensure you understand what to expect throughout the investigation.

Step 3: Professional Evidence Collection

Licensed investigators conduct discreet surveillance and evidence gathering using professional equipment and investigative techniques. We document activities, living conditions, parenting behaviors, and relevant circumstances over multiple observation periods. Our team uses unmarked vehicles, advanced cameras, and proven surveillance methods to avoid detection. All evidence is collected legally and ethically to ensure court admissibility in California family courts.

Step 4: Comprehensive Documentation & Reporting

You receive a detailed investigative report including written findings, photographic evidence, video documentation when appropriate, and complete activity timelines. Our reports meet Sacramento County family court documentation standards with proper formatting, objective observations, and professional presentation. Evidence is organized chronologically with date/time stamps and detailed descriptions. We provide both digital and printed reports based on your attorney’s preferences.

Step 5: Court Support & Expert Testimony

Lance Casey is available for deposition and expert witness testimony in Sacramento County, Placer County, and throughout Northern California. We prepare evidence for court presentation, consult with your family law attorney, and provide professional testimony when needed. Our 25+ years of investigative experience and former law enforcement background establish credibility with judges and opposing counsel. We maintain all original evidence and chain of custody documentation for trial proceedings.

Why Choose Lance Casey & Associates for Family Law Investigations

Licensed & Experienced Sacramento Investigator

Lance Casey holds California Private Investigator License #27617 with 25+ years of professional investigation experience. Our former law enforcement background provides expertise in evidence collection, surveillance techniques, and court testimony. We understand California family law requirements and Sacramento County family court procedures. Licensed investigators ensure all evidence is legally obtained and court-admissible.

Sacramento County Family Court Expertise

We have extensive experience working with Sacramento County Superior Court family law cases and understand local court requirements. Our investigators know Sacramento and Placer County judges, court procedures, and evidence standards. We’ve testified in numerous Northern California family courts and maintain professional relationships with local family law attorneys. This local expertise ensures investigations are conducted according to Sacramento County expectations.

Court-Admissible Evidence & Documentation

All investigations are conducted with court admissibility as the primary focus. We follow California legal standards for evidence collection, maintain proper chain of custody, and document everything professionally. Our reports are prepared specifically for family court presentation with objective language and factual observations. Photographic and video evidence includes proper metadata, timestamps, and contextual information required by California courts.

Discreet & Confidential Investigations

Family law matters require sensitivity and discretion which we provide throughout every investigation. Our investigators use unmarked vehicles, dress appropriately for surveillance locations, and employ techniques that avoid detection. All client information is kept strictly confidential and we never discuss cases with anyone except authorized parties. Discretion protects your privacy and ensures investigation effectiveness.

Available for Expert Witness Testimony

Lance Casey regularly provides expert witness testimony in Sacramento family court proceedings and throughout Northern California. We explain investigation methods, present findings clearly, and withstand cross-examination professionally. Our testimony helps judges understand surveillance evidence, living condition assessments, and parenting observations. Former law enforcement background and 25+ years experience establish courtroom credibility.

Comprehensive Investigation Services

We offer complete family law investigation services eliminating the need for multiple investigators. Child custody surveillance, financial investigations, background checks, and process serving are all available through our agency. This comprehensive approach provides consistent quality and coordinated efforts across different aspects of your family law case. Single point of contact simplifies communication and case management.

24/7 Availability for Urgent Cases

Family law emergencies including parental kidnapping, custody violations, or child endangerment require immediate response. We provide 24/7 availability for urgent family law investigations throughout Northern California. Emergency surveillance can be initiated within hours when child safety or custody rights are at risk. After-hours contact ensures time-sensitive evidence isn’t lost.

Transparent Pricing & Free Consultations

We provide honest pricing information during free consultations with no hidden fees or surprise charges. Investigation costs are explained clearly including hourly rates, retainer requirements, and estimated total expenses. We work within your budget while providing professional investigation services. Payment plans are available for qualified clients in extended family law cases.

Sacramento Family Court Expertise

Courts We Serve

Sacramento County Superior Court
720 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
We regularly conduct investigations for cases filed in Sacramento County family court including custody disputes, support modifications, and domestic violence matters. Our investigators understand Sacramento County court procedures, documentation requirements, and local judges’ preferences for evidence presentation.

Placer County Superior Court
10820 Justice Center Drive, Roseville, CA 95678
Placer County family law investigations including Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, and Auburn cases. We’re familiar with Placer County family court procedures and regularly work with Roseville-area family law attorneys. Evidence is prepared according to Placer County Superior Court standards.

Yolo County Superior Court
1000 Main Street, Woodland, CA 95695
Family law investigation services for Davis, Woodland, and West Sacramento cases. We understand Yolo County family court requirements and provide evidence meeting their documentation standards.

El Dorado County Superior Court
2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA 95667
Investigations supporting family law cases in Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Placerville, and South Lake Tahoe. Our investigators serve all El Dorado County communities with professional family law investigation services.

Areas We Serve

Sacramento County

Sacramento, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, North Highlands, Arden-Arcade, Foothill Farms, Rio Linda, McClellan Park, Rosemont, Vineyard, Parkway

Placer County

Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Auburn, Granite Bay, Loomis, Colfax, Foresthill

Yolo County

Davis, Woodland, West Sacramento, Winters

El Dorado County

Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Placerville, Cameron Park, Diamond Springs, South Lake Tahoe

Extended Service Area

We provide family law investigation services throughout Northern California including Sutter County, Yuba County, Nevada County, and Amador County. Statewide California investigations available for complex family law cases requiring multi-county investigation efforts.

Common Family Law Investigation Scenarios

Scenario 1: Custody Modification Evidence

Situation: A Sacramento parent needs to modify custody because the other parent is leaving their child with unauthorized caregivers during court-ordered custody time.

Our Investigation: Multi-day surveillance documents who actually cares for the child during the other parent’s custody periods. We photograph and video record unauthorized caregivers, document times the parent is absent, and establish patterns over 7-14 days.

Result: Court-admissible evidence showing the child is consistently left with grandmother, boyfriend, or other unauthorized individuals. Documentation supports custody modification petition in Sacramento County family court.

Scenario 2: Hidden Income for Child Support

Situation: An Elk Grove parent suspects their ex-spouse is hiding income to avoid fair child support payments. Tax returns show minimal income but lifestyle suggests otherwise.

Our Investigation: Surveillance documents unreported cash business, lifestyle analysis reveals expensive purchases, and database research uncovers undisclosed employment. We photograph business activities, track daily routines, and verify income sources.

Result: Evidence of unreported income from cash business totaling $75,000+ annually versus $25,000 reported income. Child support recalculated based on actual earnings.

Scenario 3: Unsafe Living Conditions

Situation: A Roseville parent is concerned about unsafe living conditions at the other parent’s residence including substance use and unsupervised children.

Our Investigation: Surveillance of the residence documents visitors, activities visible from public locations, and neighborhood environment. We observe patterns over multiple days and times, photograph property conditions, and identify concerning individuals.

Result: Documentation of frequent visitors with criminal backgrounds, children playing unsupervised in unsafe areas, and evidence supporting parental fitness concerns. Evidence presented in Placer County family court custody hearing.

Scenario 4: Parental Fitness Assessment

Situation: A Folsom grandparent seeks custody due to concerns about parent’s ability to care for children. Court requires professional assessment of parenting capabilities.

Our Investigation: Comprehensive surveillance documents daily routines, school involvement, meal preparation, supervision quality, and overall childcare. We observe parent-child interactions, home environment, and parenting behaviors over two weeks.

Result: Objective documentation shows inadequate supervision, missed school days, and concerning parenting behaviors. Evidence supports grandparent’s custody petition in El Dorado County family court.

Scenario 5: Visitation Compliance

Situation: A Sacramento parent needs to document that the other parent consistently violates court-ordered visitation schedule, denying agreed-upon parenting time.

Our Investigation: Surveillance during scheduled pick-up and drop-off times documents missed exchanges, late arrivals, and denied visitation. We create detailed timeline over one month showing pattern of violations.

Result: Clear evidence of 12 visitation violations in 30-day period. Documentation supports contempt motion in Sacramento County family court with court-ordered make-up time and potential sanctions.

Family Law Investigation Pricing

Consultation

Free – No-obligation consultation to discuss your family law investigation needs

Hourly Investigation Services

$175-$275 per hour – Licensed investigator time including surveillance, research, and evidence collection

Multi-Day Surveillance Packages

3-Day Surveillance Package
$2,400-$3,600 – Three days of surveillance (6-8 hours daily) including photo documentation and detailed report

7-Day Comprehensive Package
$5,000-$8,500 – One week surveillance establishing patterns with photo/video evidence and court-ready report

14-Day Extended Investigation
$9,500-$16,000 – Two weeks comprehensive surveillance for complex custody or support cases

Database Research & Background Investigation

$300-$750 – Comprehensive background checks, asset searches, employment verification

Expert Witness Testimony

$250 per hour – Deposition and court testimony services (4-hour minimum)

Pricing Notes:

• Retainer required before investigation begins
• Costs vary based on case complexity, geographic area, and urgency
• Rush services available with premium pricing
• Payment plans available for qualified clients
• All pricing includes professional report and evidence documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a family law investigation?

A family law investigation gathers court-admissible evidence for California family court proceedings including child custody disputes, child support enforcement, spousal support modifications, and parental fitness assessments. Licensed private investigators conduct surveillance, document living conditions, verify employment and income, and provide objective evidence for family court judges. Family law investigations in Sacramento County must meet specific evidence standards and legal requirements which our licensed investigators understand and follow.

How long does a family law investigation take in Sacramento?

Most Sacramento family law investigations require 7-14 days to establish patterns and gather sufficient evidence for family court presentation. Single-incident investigations may be completed in 1-3 days, while complex custody cases requiring extensive documentation can take 2-4 weeks. Timeline depends on investigation objectives, evidence requirements, and subject’s schedule and activities. We provide estimated timelines during free consultations based on your specific family law case needs.

Is family law investigation evidence admissible in Sacramento courts?

Yes. Evidence collected by licensed California private investigators is admissible in Sacramento County Superior Court and all California family courts when properly obtained and documented. Our investigations follow California Evidence Code requirements, legal standards for surveillance, and family court documentation expectations. We maintain chain of custody, provide proper authentication, and ensure all evidence meets legal admissibility standards. Lance Casey regularly testifies as an expert witness supporting evidence authenticity and investigation methodology.

How much does family law investigation cost in Sacramento?

Sacramento family law investigation costs range from $1,500-$7,500 for typical cases depending on investigation duration and complexity. Simple surveillance cases start around $1,500-$2,400 for basic documentation. Comprehensive custody investigations with extensive surveillance typically cost $5,000-$8,500. Complex cases requiring weeks of surveillance, multiple investigators, or specialized investigation methods can exceed $10,000. We provide detailed cost estimates during free consultations based on your specific case requirements and attorney’s evidence needs.

Do you testify in Sacramento family court?

Yes. Lance Casey regularly provides expert witness testimony in Sacramento County Superior Court family law proceedings as well as Placer County, Yolo County, and El Dorado County family courts. We testify regarding investigation methodology, evidence collection procedures, surveillance findings, and photographic/video evidence interpretation. Our testimony helps judges understand investigation results and supports evidence authenticity. Former law enforcement background and 25+ years investigative experience provide courtroom credibility. Expert witness services include deposition testimony and trial appearances throughout Northern California.

Can surveillance be detected by the other party?

Professional surveillance uses discreet techniques making detection highly unlikely when conducted by experienced investigators. We use unmarked vehicles that change regularly, dress appropriately for surveillance locations, and employ proven counter-detection methods. Our investigators maintain appropriate distance, use telephoto lenses for photography, and never approach subjects. While no surveillance is 100% undetectable, our 25+ years experience and professional techniques minimize detection risk. If surveillance is compromised, we discontinue and reschedule for different dates/times.

What will the final investigation report include?

Your family law investigation report includes an executive summary of findings, detailed chronological timeline of all observations, professional written narrative describing activities and observations, date/time-stamped photographs documenting evidence, video footage when appropriate and relevant, subject identification and vehicle information, location addresses and maps, and investigator credentials and qualifications. Reports are formatted for Sacramento County family court presentation with objective language, factual observations, and professional appearance. Digital and printed reports provided based on your attorney’s preferences. All original evidence preserved for trial presentation.

How do I get started with a family law investigation?

Contact us at 800-683-4769 or info@lancecasey.com to schedule your free confidential consultation. During consultation we discuss your family law situation, evidence needs, investigation options, timeline expectations, and cost estimates. If you decide to proceed, we prepare an investigation agreement outlining scope, costs, and timeline. Once the retainer is received, we begin investigation immediately or on your preferred start date. Most Sacramento family law investigations can begin within 48 hours of retainer payment.

What if the investigation doesn’t find what I expected?

We provide objective, factual documentation regardless of findings. Sometimes investigations reveal evidence supporting your case, while other times results are neutral or unfavorable. We report all findings honestly and professionally. If evidence doesn’t support your expectations, we discuss findings during investigation and provide recommendations. Our ethical obligation is to report truth, not to manufacture evidence. Many clients find that even unexpected results provide valuable information for family law decision-making.

Are your investigations confidential?

Yes. All client information and investigation details are kept strictly confidential. We never discuss your case with anyone except you and parties you authorize (such as your attorney). Case files are secured, communications are private, and discretion is maintained throughout investigations. California law protects attorney-client privilege when investigations are conducted at attorney request. Our confidentiality standards exceed legal requirements to protect your privacy.

Do you work with Sacramento family law attorneys?

Yes. We regularly work with family law attorneys throughout Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, and Northern California. Many investigations are conducted at attorney request to support their clients’ family court cases. We understand attorney evidence needs, court deadlines, and professional reporting standards. Our investigators communicate directly with attorneys, provide litigation support, and coordinate evidence presentation. We’re experienced with attorney work product requirements and privileged investigation standards.

What evidence can you obtain for child custody cases?

Child custody investigations can document actual living arrangements and residence locations, daily routines and schedules of parent and children, caregiver identification including unauthorized individuals, parenting time compliance with court orders, school attendance and educational involvement, extracurricular activity participation and support, household environment and safety conditions, supervision quality and parenting behaviors, interactions between parent and children, visitors to residence and their backgrounds, substance use indicators when observable, and overall parental fitness factors. All observations are made from public locations following legal surveillance standards.

How quickly can you start a family law investigation?

Most Sacramento family law investigations can begin within 24-48 hours of retainer payment. Emergency situations involving child safety or parental kidnapping may receive same-day response. We maintain investigator availability for urgent family law matters throughout Northern California. Timeline from initial contact to investigation start typically includes free consultation (same day or next day), investigation agreement preparation (24 hours), retainer payment processing (immediate to 24 hours), and investigation commencement (24-48 hours after retainer). Rush services available when immediate evidence collection is critical.

What areas of Sacramento do you serve?

We serve all Sacramento County communities including Sacramento, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, North Highlands, Arden-Arcade, Foothill Farms, and surrounding areas. Our coverage extends to Placer County (Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Auburn), Yolo County (Davis, Woodland, West Sacramento), El Dorado County (Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Placerville), and throughout Northern California. Investigators are Sacramento-based providing rapid response to local family law investigation needs.

Can you help locate a parent who has taken a child?

Yes. Custodial interference and parental kidnapping investigations are urgent matters requiring immediate response. We work with law enforcement when criminal violations are involved and conduct rapid location investigations using skip tracing, database research, and investigative techniques. Our investigators have located missing children throughout California and other states. Time is critical in parental abduction cases – contact us immediately at 800-683-4769 for emergency response. We’re available 24/7 for child abduction and urgent custody violation matters.

Ready to Get Started?

Free Confidential Consultation

Discuss your family law investigation needs with an experienced Sacramento private investigator. We’ll assess your situation, explain investigation options, answer your questions, and provide honest recommendations.

No obligation. No pressure. Just professional guidance for your family law case.

Lance Casey & Associates
Licensed Private Investigators
California PI License #27617

Phone: 800-683-4769
Email: info@lancecasey.com
Office: 5015 Madison Ave Unit #A90, Sacramento, CA 95841

Serving: Sacramento County | Placer County | Yolo County | El Dorado County | Northern California

Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday & After Hours: Emergency Cases Only

24/7 Availability for Urgent Family Law Matters

Contact Methods

[Schedule Free Consultation] – Book online consultation
[Call Now: (916) 312-3185] – Speak with investigator
[Email Us] – Send confidential inquiry

Related Investigation Services

• Child Custody Investigations Sacramento
• Child Support Investigation Sacramento
• Infidelity Investigation Sacramento
• Surveillance Services Sacramento
• Process Serving Sacramento
• Background Checks Sacramento
• View All Services

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