Frequently Asked Questions
Quite often, people aren't sure if they need a private investigator or not. This page will provide some insight into what private investigation can provide to the client and how Lighthouse Investigations, LLC can help you.
Q: In domestic cases, like infidelity, should I use a private investigator?
A: One important thing to remember is that divorce cases are usually "no fault", so it's often not critical to prove that your spouse has been cheating on you. We often recommend that before you invest in the cost and labor of our services, consult with private counsel to determine if using a private investigator is really necessary. Also, if it's decided that it is necessary, then the attorney can direct us what to look for specifically. It makes it easier to focus the scope of the case and to maximize your investment, thus providing more leverage in court.
A: Private Investigators must meet State licensing requirements and have specific training and a criminal background check to qualify for a license. Licensed investigators are also exempt from the Montana stalking statute and can follow subjects with impunity. If a citizen decides to investigate a case or follow someone, they expose themselves to civil sanctions through the State of Montana for practicing without a license and face potential criminal charges.
At the same time,
Lighthouse Investigations, LLC strongly encourages you to shop around for a reputable private investigative company. Like many careers and businesses, there are good firms and bad firms. Check the State of Montana website at
www.mt.gov to look up a private investigator's license and to see if they are registered as a legitimate business with the Secretary of State.
A: You will find that fees vary with various companies. Each firm sets their own rate and charges geographically or based on the work that's to be performed. Lighthouse Investigations, LLC boasts an extremely competitive and reasonable rate in comparison to other firms around the State but does not discuss rates until meeting with the client. In general, you will find that the hourly rate for on-site investigation is actually different from driving time to a case. For example, if the case is in another city, the client is charged less for the driving time than when on-site. Mileage rates change due to fluctuating fuel prices.
Q. Are there limitations in things you can do? A: Certainly. Private investigators do not have access to State & Federal law enforcement databases. The advantage to private investigators is that reputable firms have a tremendous network of contacts and resources that can legally obtain a considerable amount of data through other means.
We also do not have the right to trespass on property or set people up by "baiting" them. Lighthouse Investigations staff will not break State or Federal law to attain a client's goal. Our staff has a very high level of ethics and a strong reputation for professional and solid work; we will disqualify ourselves immediately if any question of impropriety arises.
A: A Fee Agreement between the client and company is required with a retainer. The retainer and contract confirm that the two parties understand the type of service provided, the number of hours authorized, and the amount of money to be spent on the case. Unfortunately, people tend to underestimate the hours needed for surveillance on certain cases. Television shows have not made our job much easier since the general public assumes that we can sneak around in homes and instantly find the person at any location. Remember that our surveillance teams are often at the mercy of the person they are watching and if the subject decides to sleep in or alter their plans from the norm, the team has to adjust their plans accordingly.
Q. If you're a cop, how can you do private investigative work?
A: Our company performs no criminal defense work. Also, if there is any indication of a conflict of interest, the client will be immediately advised and the case assignment request will be turned down. We do not use any resources within law enforcement agencies since the cases our detectives work are for the private sector only and the use of law enforcement data bases and resources is protected by State and Federal law.
On the other hand, having an experienced police officer leading your investigation provides a variety of open doors and contacts around the nation and globally. Lighthouse Investigations, LLC has contacts all over the world, including active and retired Special Agents from the FBI, DEA, Secret Service, and other intelligence organizations. This network of skilled professionals results in quality service with proven results. Our track record speaks for itself.