Infidelity Investigations in BC -FAQ

If you have specific concerns about a spouse or partner’s behaviour, such as unexplained absences, inconsistencies in their explanations, changes in routine, secretive phone use, or a general pattern that does not add up, and you need factual information rather than continued uncertainty, an infidelity investigation may help. Most clients contact us not because they want to catch someone, but because they need clarity to make informed decisions about their own life, finances, or legal situation.

The first step is a confidential consultation, which is free and carries no obligation. During the consultation, the investigator will ask about your concerns, what information you already have, and what you are hoping to find out. Based on that conversation, the investigator will recommend an approach, explain which methods are most likely to be productive, and outline the applicable fees before any work begins. You can contact Shadow Investigations by phone at 604-657-4499 or through our confidential inquiry form below.

The more information you can provide at intake, the more efficiently the investigation can be planned. Useful details include the subject’s full name and a recent photograph, vehicle make, model, colour and plate number, home and work addresses, regular daily schedule, specific dates or times that triggered your concern, names or descriptions of any suspected individuals, and specific locations connected to your concern. You are not expected to have all of this, as even partial information helps the investigator determine the best starting point.

A professional investigator takes precautions to conduct the investigation discreetly. Surveillance is performed from lawful vantage points using professional observation techniques, and the investigator will not make contact with the subject or take any action that would reveal the investigation. No investigation can guarantee that a subject will never become aware, but the risk is minimized through professional planning and experienced fieldwork. Shadow Investigations does not disclose the identity of clients or the existence of active investigations to anyone.

Yes. Infidelity investigations are not limited to married couples. You can retain a private investigator to look into concerns about a common-law partner, a long-term partner, or someone you are in a relationship with. The same legal rules apply regardless of marital status.

The duration of an infidelity case depends on the circumstances. Some cases are resolved after a single surveillance period of four to eight hours if the timing is right and the subject’s behaviour is observable during that window. Others require multiple surveillance periods over days or weeks because the behaviour is intermittent or unpredictable. Cases that involve additional methods such as background checks, OSINT, digital forensics, or polygraph examinations may take longer to complete. During the consultation, the investigator will give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation.

The cost depends on the scope of the case and the methods used. At Shadow Investigations, surveillance is billed at $75 per hour plus $0.79 per kilometre, which works out to approximately $500 for a half-day or $1,000 for a full day after tax. Background checks start at $50 for some specific searches and comprehensive checks at $125 per hour. OSINT runs $125 per hour, with most basic searches taking two to four hours ($250–$500). Polygraph examinations are a flat $600 per session. Digital forensics is a flat $1,200 per device. A focused single-issue case might cost $500–$800. A moderate case with supporting research typically runs $1,000–$2,000. Multi-method cases can range from $2,500 to $5,000 or more. For a detailed breakdown, see our cost knowledge page.

There is no minimum fee, but an initial retainer is required before work begins. The amount depends on the methods used. For example, a first surveillance period typically requires a $500 retainer, while other investigative approaches may have a different starting fee. As the case progresses, additional retainers may be required to continue the work. Any unused portion of the retainer is refunded once you choose to close the case.

Yes, and this is often the recommended approach. A single focused surveillance period targeting a specific time window of concern is usually the most cost-effective way to begin. It gives both you and the investigator a basis for deciding whether further work is warranted, and in some cases, the objectives of the investigation are achieved within that first period. A focused first step typically costs $500–$800 and avoids committing to a broad investigation before it is clear whether the concern is likely to produce results.

A surveillance period that does not capture suspicious activity is still a documented result. It confirms what the subject did during that window, which can provide reassurance, rule out certain patterns, or help the investigator recommend a more targeted approach for any follow-up work. You are billed for professional investigative time, not for specific outcomes. An honest investigator will give you their assessment as the case develops, but experience has shown that conclusions are rarely drawn early and some cases take more time than others before the full picture emerges.

Yes. All consultations at Shadow Investigations are free and carry no obligation. The consultation is an opportunity to discuss your concerns, understand your options, and get a realistic cost estimate before making any commitment.

The most common methods are surveillance, background checks, open-source intelligence (OSINT), polygraph examinations, and digital forensics. The methods chosen for a particular case depend on what you already know, the nature of your concerns, and which approach is most likely to produce useful results. For a detailed explanation of each method, see our methods knowledge page.

Surveillance involves a licensed investigator physically observing and documenting the subject’s movements, meetings, and public interactions in real time. OSINT involves gathering and analyzing publicly available online data such as public social media posts, public profiles, and other digital footprint indicators. Surveillance captures what the subject does. OSINT captures what is publicly visible about the subject online. The two methods often complement each other but serve different purposes.

The investigator positions themselves to observe the subject’s departure from a known location (usually a residence or workplace) and follows their movements from there. Surveillance can be static (observing from a fixed position) or mobile (following the subject between locations). A typical surveillance period runs four to eight hours. The investigator documents observations through detailed notes and video. Surveillance is most effective when you can identify specific times of concern such as an evening, a weekend, or a recurring pattern so the investigator can plan the period to cover the most productive window.

A GPS tracker can be used only if you are the sole registered owner of the vehicle. If the vehicle is registered in your spouse’s name, a GPS tracker cannot be used. If the vehicle is jointly owned, the situation is legally ambiguous and should be assessed carefully. Placing a tracker on a vehicle you do not own can result in criminal charges for mischief or harassment and civil claims for invasion of privacy. For a detailed explanation, see our legal considerations knowledge page.

A polygraph is a controlled, structured interview conducted by a trained examiner that measures physiological responses such as heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and skin conductivity while the subject answers specific questions. In infidelity cases, a polygraph is used when the client wants a direct answer to a specific question and the subject is willing to participate. The examination includes the pre-test assessment, the examination, and the post-test disclosure. Polygraph results are not admissible in court in Canada, but they can provide personal clarity.

Phone forensics is typically performed by a digital forensic specialist rather than a private investigator. An examination can only be conducted if the client has legal ownership of the device, the device owner consents, or a court order directs the examination. A forensic specialist cannot examine a phone that belongs solely to the spouse without their consent. Where authorization exists, the examination can recover deleted messages, call logs, photographs, location data, app usage history, and other relevant data.

Yes. Canada follows a one-party consent rule under Section 184(2)(a) of the Criminal Code. If you are a participant in a conversation, you can record it without informing the other person. You cannot record conversations between other people that you are not part of—that is a criminal offence. Recordings made under one-party consent are generally admissible in court, though admissibility is assessed case by case.

Cases can still move forward with limited information, but the approach and expectations may need to be adjusted. When there is very little to go on, such as no specific times of concern, no suspected individual, and no identifiable patterns, carefully considering all available options helps ensure that investigative resources are used as effectively as possible.

In these situations, the investigation may benefit from starting with a background check on the subject to identify patterns, associations, or addresses you may not be aware of; OSINT research to review public digital activity for leads or timeline indicators; or a detailed intake conversation to surface details you may not have realized are relevant, such as changes in phone behavior, new apps, altered routines around specific days, or financial transactions that suggest undisclosed spending.

Yes. Retaining a licensed private investigator to investigate concerns about infidelity is legal in British Columbia, provided the investigation is conducted using lawful methods. These include surveillance, background checks, OSINT, polygraph examinations, authorized digital forensics, and audio recording under one-party consent. The investigation must comply with the Criminal Code of Canada, BC’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), and other applicable legislation.

No. A private investigator cannot hack into email accounts, social media accounts, cloud storage, or messaging platforms. Accessing another person’s accounts without authorization is illegal regardless of the relationship. OSINT can review publicly available online information, and digital forensics can recover data from a device the client owns.

Not directly. A private investigator cannot intercept messages or access a phone remotely. However, if the client owns the device or the device owner consents, a digital forensic examination can recover text messages (including deleted messages) from the device itself. The distinction is between intercepting communications (illegal) and examining an authorized device (legal with proper authorization).

No. Installing spyware, location-tracking apps, or monitoring software on another person’s phone without their knowledge and consent is illegal, regardless of your relationship. This can result in criminal charges and civil liability. If you want location-based information, authorized GPS tracking on a vehicle you own or surveillance by a licensed investigator are the lawful alternatives.

Improper investigation can create several problems. You may face criminal charges for offences such as unauthorized interception of communications, unauthorized use of a computer, mischief, or criminal harassment. You may face civil claims for invasion of privacy. Evidence you obtained improperly may be excluded by a court and your own conduct may become the issue in family law proceedings, potentially undermining your credibility on other matters. A professional investigation avoids these risks.

Canada has a no-fault divorce system, which means you do not need to prove infidelity to obtain a divorce. However, infidelity evidence can be relevant in related areas such as spousal support (if the hidden relationship affects the financial picture), property division (if marital assets were diverted or concealed), credibility (if the spouse has made sworn statements contradicted by the evidence), and parenting arrangements (if the conduct affects the children). For more detail, see our evidence knowledge page.

Generally, no. Polygraph examination results are not admissible as evidence in court proceedings in most Canadian jurisdictions, including British Columbia. However, they can provide personal clarity and inform decisions about separation, reconciliation, counselling, or trust. They are a tool for the client’s personal decision-making, not for litigation.

No. A polygraph examination requires the subject’s voluntary consent. A private investigator cannot compel anyone to participate. Declining a polygraph cannot be used against the person in any legal proceeding. However, in some cases the suggestion of a polygraph itself changes the dynamic of the situation.

Depending on the methods used, evidence may include a detailed surveillance report with photographs and video, digital forensic findings including recovered messages, call logs, photos, and location data from an authorized device, a polygraph examiner’s report, background check findings, and documented OSINT results. For a full explanation of what each type of evidence looks like as a deliverable, see our evidence knowledge page.

A surveillance report is a written document that provides a chronological, factual account of everything the investigator observed during each surveillance period. It includes timestamped observations, vehicle information, descriptions of locations visited, people met, and activities documented. Photographs from the video are referenced within the report so you can match the written narrative to the visual evidence. The report is written in neutral, professional language with no speculation or opinion.

Yes. Evidence gathered by a licensed private investigator through lawful methods is generally admissible in family court proceedings in British Columbia, subject to relevance and other evidentiary rules. The investigator may be required to swear an affidavit on the investigation report, be called as a witness to testify about their observations and methods, or both. Evidence gathered through improper or illegal methods is more likely to be challenged or excluded.

A surveillance period that documents routine, non-suspicious behaviour is still a valid and documented result. It may provide reassurance, rule out certain patterns, narrow the focus for future work, or confirm that a different time window should be investigated. Multiple surveillance periods are sometimes needed because infidelity-related behaviour is often intermittent. The investigator will discuss the findings honestly and recommend whether further work is likely to be productive.

In many cases, yes. When data is deleted from a phone, it is not always immediately erased from the device’s storage. A digital forensic examination can recover deleted text messages, photographs, call logs, app data, and other information depending on the device type and model, its operating system version, and whether the device has been factory reset or encrypted.

Realistically, most modern smartphones offer a reasonable window of approximately 30 days for recovering deleted data. Beyond that, results can be inconsistent, particularly if the storage space has been overwritten by new data. A forensic examiner can usually assess the likely scope of recovery before a full examination is performed.

Digital forensic evidence is recovered using professional forensic tools that preserve the data’s integrity and document the chain of custody. The forensic report details how the data was extracted, what tools were used, and confirms the data has not been altered. Screenshots taken casually from a phone do not have this provenance and can be challenged as incomplete, out of context, or potentially manipulated. If digital evidence may be needed in a legal proceeding, forensic examination produces far more defensible results than informal screenshots.

Communication is typically handled by phone or email. The investigator will provide updates on the status of the case and discuss findings as they develop. For operational reasons, real-time updates are generally not provided while actively following a subject, as this protects both the integrity of the investigation and the safety of all parties involved.

Yes. Updates are provided during the surveillance period. The investigator will keep you informed of developments after they occur, allowing you to make informed decisions about whether to continue or not that day based on what has been observed.

Yes, input from our clients is encouraged. Achieving the objectives of the case is a collaborative process, and clients often have details the investigator does not, since they are in direct communication with the subject. You are welcome to make requests about where you would like the investigator to go or what you would like them to focus on. The investigator will apply their professional judgment and knowledge of applicable laws to either proceed with your request or suggest an alternative approach that accomplishes the same objective. Your knowledge of the subject combined with the investigator’s fieldwork experience is what makes the surveillance effective.

If the subject appears to become aware of the surveillance, a professional investigator will disengage to avoid compromising the investigation. This is a standard operational decision, not a failure. Evidence gathered before that point remains valid and documented. The investigator may recommend waiting before resuming surveillance to allow the subject’s alertness to diminish or may suggest a different approach such as the use of more than one investigator or background research to support the next phase.

That is entirely your decision. The investigation provides you with factual, documented information. How you use it, whether for a private conversation, a decision about your relationship, a meeting with a counsellor, or a discussion with a lawyer, is entirely up to you. The investigator’s role is to provide the facts, not to advise on personal decisions. If you are considering legal action, it is advisable to consult a family lawyer before confronting your spouse so that you do not inadvertently compromise your legal position.

If you already have a lawyer or anticipate legal proceedings, it is generally a good idea to inform them. A family lawyer can advise on what types of evidence may be most useful in your specific legal situation and can coordinate with the investigator to ensure the investigation supports your legal strategy. In many cases, a private investigator and a family lawyer work in parallel, with the investigator gathering the factual information and the lawyer advising on how to use it.

All information you provide to Shadow Investigations is treated as confidential. The firm does not disclose the identity of clients, the existence of active investigations, or the findings of any investigation to unauthorized parties. Communications between you and the investigator are conducted through secure channels. Your intake information, case files, and evidence are stored securely and are not shared without your authorization.

Shadow Investigations Ltd. has been serving British Columbia since 1990. Our firm is BBB A+ accredited and has been since 1999. Our team includes licensed investigators with backgrounds in field surveillance, fraud investigations, OSINT, skip tracing, background checks, polygraph testing, digital forensics, and undercover operations.

Shadow Investigations is based in the Lower Mainland and serves clients throughout British Columbia, including Vancouver, Surrey, Richmond, Langley, Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, Kelowna, and surrounding areas of the BC interior. Investigations outside the Lower Mainland may involve additional travel costs.

No. Shadow Investigations handles a range of case types including infidelity and domestic matters, child custody and guardianship investigations, spousal and child support cases, insurance fraud and disability claim investigations, workplace and corporate investigations, teen activity and wellness checks, and other matters requiring surveillance, background checks, OSINT, polygraph examinations, digital forensics, skip tracing to locate individuals, or undercover operations.

Contact Shadow Investigations by phone at 604-657-4499 or through our confidential inquiry form below. All consultations are free and confidential. The investigator will discuss your concerns, recommend an approach, and provide a clear cost estimate before any work begins.