Private investigation costs in Hanahan, SC vary greatly based on service complexity and duration. Basic background checks range from $200-$500, while thorough surveillance operations cost $75-$150 per hour requiring 15-30 hours of observation. Digital forensics services span $1,500-$4,500 depending on device complexity. Asset searches for divorce proceedings range $2,500-$8,000. Most infidelity investigations total $2,500-$5,000 combining multiple investigative methods. Understanding the phased approach to investigations reveals how costs accumulate and which services provide ideal value.

Key Takeaways

Basic surveillance services in Hanahan cost $75-$150 per hour, typically requiring 15-30 hours of observation for comprehensive evidence collection.
Digital forensics investigations range from $1,500-$4,500 depending on device complexity, while computer forensics costs $150-$300 per hour.
Asset searches during divorce proceedings cost $2,500-$8,000 depending on complexity, essential for uncovering hidden accounts and financial deception.
Background checks and preliminary research typically range from $200-$500, providing baseline behavioral patterns through financial and social media analysis.
Child custody investigations include home environment evaluation and parental behavior documentation, with costs varying based on Hanahan’s unique neighborhood considerations.

Cheating Spouse Investigation Services – In Order of Need

Most individuals seeking cheating spouse investigation services follow a predictable progression of needs that mirrors the stages of suspicion, discovery, and legal preparation. Initially, clients notice subtle cheating signals—unusual phone behavior, unexplained absences, or emotional distance from their partner. Many attempt relationship counseling before considering investigation services, hoping to address underlying trust issues through communication.

When therapeutic approaches fail to resolve suspicions, clients typically request basic surveillance services to confirm or dismiss their concerns. Progressive investigation needs often include digital forensics to examine electronic communications, followed by thorough documentation services for potential legal proceedings. The final stage involves gathering court-admissible evidence for divorce or custody cases, requiring detailed surveillance reports, photographic documentation, and expert testimony preparation to support legal strategies. Understanding patterns of behavior can significantly aid in determining the right approach to investigation.

Phase 1: Initial Suspicion – “I Think My Spouse Is Cheating”

When initial suspicions of infidelity arise, private investigators typically begin with foundational research methods that establish baseline information about the subject’s activities and associations. Background checks reveal financial records, social media presence, and potential connections that may support or contradict suspicions, while covert surveillance provides real-time documentation of behavior patterns. GPS tracking and location data analysis offer extensive monitoring capabilities that can verify or dispel concerns about undisclosed activities and whereabouts. Additionally, investigators often employ digital evidence collection to further analyze online behaviors that may indicate infidelity.

Background Checks & Research

Before confronting a spouse or making life-altering decisions, individuals experiencing initial suspicions of infidelity often require preliminary intelligence gathering to determine whether their concerns warrant further investigation. Professional investigators utilize thorough background checks to establish baseline behavioral patterns and identify potential red flags in a subject’s recent activities.

Research techniques employed during this phase include examining public records, social media analysis, and financial transaction reviews. These methods typically cost between $200-$500, representing the most cost-effective approach for validating initial suspicions. Digital footprint analysis can reveal inconsistencies in reported whereabouts, unexplained expenses, or suspicious social connections.

This foundational research phase enables clients to make informed decisions about proceeding with more intensive surveillance while providing essential context for understanding relationship dynamics and potential deception patterns.

Covert Surveillance

Several indicators prompt individuals to shift from preliminary research to professional covert surveillance when suspicions of spousal infidelity intensify beyond circumstantial evidence. Unexplained absences, defensive behavior regarding phone privacy, and dramatic schedule changes often necessitate more definitive proof. Professional investigators employ sophisticated covert techniques including vehicular surveillance, photographic documentation, and behavioral pattern analysis during this phase.

Costs typically range from $75-150 per hour for surveillance services, with most cases requiring 15-30 hours of observation across multiple sessions. Surveillance ethics demand investigators operate within legal boundaries while maintaining subject anonymity and evidence integrity. Equipment expenses, mileage, and multi-investigator teams increase overall investment. Clients seeking intimate relationship clarity must balance emotional needs against financial considerations, understanding that thorough surveillance provides court-admissible evidence essential for informed decision-making regarding marriage continuation or dissolution proceedings.

Location Data

Digital footprints from smartphones and GPS-enabled devices provide the most accessible entry point for individuals questioning their spouse’s truthfulness about whereabouts and activities. Location tracking through shared family plans, navigation apps, and social media check-ins reveals patterns that contradict stated schedules. However, accessing another person’s location data without consent raises significant data privacy concerns and potential legal violations.

Professional investigators utilize legally compliant methods to gather location evidence, including surveillance verification of suspected destinations and digital forensics on devices with proper authorization. While consumer-grade tracking apps appear convenient, they often lack admissibility in legal proceedings. Licensed professionals understand the delicate balance between obtaining necessary evidence and respecting constitutional protections, ensuring that location data collection meets court standards while protecting the client’s interests throughout the investigation process.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Most individuals experiencing initial suspicions about spousal infidelity turn to GPS tracking as their first investigative tool, drawn by the perceived simplicity of monitoring a spouse’s movements through readily available technology. Consumer GPS devices and smartphone applications offer real-time location data that seems to provide immediate answers to troubling questions about unexplained absences or suspicious destinations.

However, GPS tracking presents significant privacy concerns and legal complications that amateur investigators often overlook. Unauthorized tracking of another person’s movements may violate state privacy laws, regardless of marital status. Additionally, sophisticated individuals may detect amateur surveillance efforts, potentially destroying evidence or escalating marital conflict. Professional investigators understand these limitations and employ GPS technology within legal frameworks while maintaining the discretion necessary for successful infidelity investigations.

Phase 2: Gathering Evidence – “I Need Proof”

Once initial suspicions are confirmed, clients typically require concrete evidence to support legal proceedings or personal decisions. Modern digital forensics capabilities encompass mobile device analysis, computer examination, social network investigation, and cloud data recovery to establish thorough documentation of suspected infidelity. Advanced surveillance technologies, including drone operations, complement digital evidence collection to provide corroborating visual documentation of activities and behaviors. Additionally, the expertise of seasoned professionals with decades of experience ensures that investigations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

Mobile Device and Cell Phone Forensics

Cell phones serve as digital repositories of nearly every aspect of modern communication, containing text messages, call logs, emails, social media interactions, location data, and multimedia files that can provide essential evidence in infidelity investigations. Professional mobile data analysis requires specialized equipment and expertise to extract information while maintaining legal admissibility.

Digital forensics costs typically range from $1,500 to $4,500, depending on device complexity and data volume. A qualified forensic expert can recover deleted messages, hidden applications, and communication patterns that reveal relationship dynamics.

Key factors affecting mobile forensics pricing include:

Device type and operating system complexity
Volume of data requiring extraction and analysis
Deleted content recovery requirements
Court-admissible reporting and testimony needs

This specialized service provides detailed digital evidence supporting traditional surveillance findings.

Computer Forensics

Beyond mobile devices, home and work computers contain extensive digital footprints that frequently reveal evidence of extramarital relationships through browsing histories, email communications, social media activities, and stored documents. Computer forensics specialists recover deleted files, examine internet activity, and analyze application usage patterns that may indicate deceptive behavior.

Professional investigators employ specialized software to bypass computer security measures while maintaining evidence integrity. These examinations often uncover dating profiles, private messaging applications, financial transactions, and location data that mobile device analysis might miss. The process requires advanced technical expertise to guarantee findings remain admissible in legal proceedings.

Digital privacy protections present challenges, but forensic experts can navigate encrypted communications and secure applications. Computer forensics typically costs $150-300 per hour, with thorough examinations requiring 4-8 hours depending on system complexity and security configurations.

Through social media platforms, individuals often maintain extensive digital relationships that can provide compelling evidence of extramarital affairs, as these networks frequently serve as primary communication channels for romantic connections outside marriage.

Social network forensics examines digital footprints across platforms where modern relationships develop. Professional investigators analyze communication patterns, timestamps, and metadata to establish timelines and relationships. Current social media trends create multiple touchpoints for evidence collection, though online privacy settings often require specialized techniques for access.

Key elements of social network forensics include:

Direct messaging analysis – Private conversations, photos, and video exchanges
Location tracking – Geotagged posts and check-ins revealing undisclosed meetings
Connection mapping – Friend networks, followers, and suspicious new contacts
Timeline reconstruction – Dating evidence through posts, comments, and activity patterns

Costs vary greatly based on platform complexity and investigation scope required.

Cloud Forensics

Modern cloud storage platforms have fundamentally transformed how individuals store personal communications, photographs, and documents, creating expansive digital repositories that often contain the most intimate evidence of extramarital relationships. Professional investigators utilize sophisticated cloud security protocols to access legally obtainable information from platforms like Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, and OneDrive. This forensic analysis typically requires specialized software and technical expertise to recover deleted files, examine metadata, and trace document sharing histories.

The complexity of cloud infrastructure means extraction costs range from $800 to $2,500 per platform investigated. Advanced cases involving multiple accounts or encrypted storage systems command higher fees. Investigators must navigate varying terms of service agreements and jurisdictional requirements while maintaining evidence integrity. The extensive nature of cloud forensic analysis often reveals communication patterns, location data, and file exchanges that provide compelling documentation for legal proceedings.

Drone Surveillance

Aerial surveillance capabilities have revolutionized evidence collection in extramarital investigations, enabling investigators to document clandestine meetings and behavioral patterns from previously inaccessible vantage points. Modern drone capabilities provide discreet monitoring of subject activities across various terrains and locations where traditional ground surveillance proves impractical or conspicuous.

Professional aerial surveillance offers several distinct advantages:

Undetectable positioning – Drones operate at heights that maintain subject anonymity while capturing clear documentation
Extended coverage areas – Multi-acre properties, remote locations, and elevated venues become accessible for evidence gathering
High-resolution documentation – Advanced camera systems provide court-admissible photographic and video evidence
Cost-effective monitoring – Reduced investigator hours compared to prolonged ground surveillance operations

Drone surveillance costs typically range from $150-300 per hour, depending on equipment sophistication and flight duration requirements for thorough documentation.

Surveillance Technology Installation & Deployment

Strategic placement of surveillance technology enables investigators to capture decisive evidence when traditional observation methods prove insufficient or impractical for documenting suspected infidelity. Professional installation requires careful consideration of legal boundaries, property access, and ideal positioning to guarantee thorough coverage without detection.

Installation challenges include weatherproofing equipment, maintaining power sources, and securing reliable data transmission in various environments. Surveillance technology advancements have introduced miniaturized cameras, extended battery life, and remote monitoring capabilities that greatly enhance evidence collection effectiveness.

Costs typically range from $500 to $2,500 for basic installations, while sophisticated multi-point systems can exceed $5,000. Factors influencing pricing include equipment complexity, installation duration, monitoring requirements, and retrieval logistics. Professional deployment guarantees admissible evidence while maintaining legal compliance throughout the investigation process.

Phase 3: Building the Case – “I Found Evidence, Now What?”

Once initial evidence surfaces, private investigators must systematically build a thorough case through methodical documentation and verification processes. This phase typically involves digital evidence collection to preserve electronic communications, coupled with detailed asset searches and bank record examinations to establish financial patterns. Professional investigators also conduct extensive due diligence procedures and location services to guarantee all relevant parties and evidence are properly identified and documented for potential legal proceedings. Additionally, the use of advanced digital forensic techniques is crucial in uncovering vital evidence that can significantly impact the outcome of the investigation.

Digital Evidence Collection

When individuals discover potential evidence of infidelity, the digital landscape often holds the most compelling proof of deceptive behavior. Professional investigators utilize specialized forensic techniques to extract legally admissible evidence while respecting digital privacy boundaries. The cost for thorough digital analysis typically ranges from $200-500 per device, depending on complexity and data volume.

Digital evidence collection encompasses multiple technological platforms:

Cell phone forensics – Text messages, call logs, social media activity, and deleted content recovery
Computer analysis – Email communications, browser history, financial transactions, and document examination
Cloud storage investigation – Backup files, photo sharing, and synchronized account activities
Social media monitoring – Dating app usage, private messaging platforms, and location tracking data

Evidence reliability depends on proper chain-of-custody procedures and forensic authentication protocols that validate admissibility in legal proceedings.

Asset Searches

Following evidence discovery, thorough asset searches become essential for protecting financial interests during divorce proceedings. Professional investigators employ sophisticated investigative techniques to uncover hidden accounts, undisclosed properties, and concealed investments that spouses may attempt to shield during legal proceedings.

Comprehensive asset searches typically cost between $2,500 and $8,000, depending on complexity and scope. Licensed investigators access databases, analyze financial records, and conduct surveillance to trace fund transfers and identify undeclared assets. These searches often reveal offshore accounts, cryptocurrency holdings, shell companies, and real estate investments registered under different names.

Effective asset recovery strategies require experienced professionals who understand financial forensics and legal documentation standards. The investment in professional asset searches frequently recovers markedly more than investigation costs, making this service financially advantageous for protecting marital property rights.

Bank Searches

Bank searches represent a critical investigative component when initial evidence suggests financial deception or asset concealment during marital disputes. Professional investigators employ specialized techniques to trace hidden bank account activities and uncover patterns of financial fraud that standard documentation reviews might miss.

Comprehensive bank investigations typically encompass several strategic approaches:

Transaction pattern analysis – Identifying irregular transfers, suspicious withdrawals, and unexplained deposits across multiple accounts
Cross-referencing financial institutions – Locating undisclosed accounts through systematic database searches and professional networks
Digital forensics integration – Recovering deleted banking communications, statements, and electronic payment records
Timeline reconstruction – Establishing chronological financial behaviors that correlate with suspected deceptive activities

These investigations require adherence to strict legal protocols while maintaining complete discretion. Costs vary considerably based on account complexity, geographic scope, and required documentation depth for potential legal proceedings.

Due Diligence

After initial evidence collection reveals potential marital deception, the due diligence phase becomes the key element of building a legally defensible case that can withstand courtroom scrutiny. Professional investigators implement rigorous due diligence practices to verify evidence authenticity, cross-reference findings across multiple sources, and guarantee every piece of documentation meets legal admissibility standards. This methodical approach involves timeline verification, witness statement validation, and thorough fact-checking protocols that strengthen case foundations.

Investigation ethics play an important role during this phase, as investigators must balance thorough evidence gathering with legal compliance. Proper chain of custody documentation, adherence to privacy laws, and ethical surveillance practices protect both the investigation’s integrity and the client’s legal standing. This phase typically requires 15-25 additional hours at $85-125 hourly rates.

Locates

When evidence points to suspicious behavior but key individuals become difficult to track, professional investigators deploy specialized locate services to maintain surveillance continuity and gather critical witness testimony. In Hanahan, subjects often attempt to evade detection by varying routines around familiar Hanahan landmarks or establishing new patterns at establishments serving local cuisine. Professional locate operations require methodical approaches combining database searches, social media monitoring, and field surveillance to reestablish contact with missing persons or elusive subjects.

Effective locate services typically include:

Asset location – Identifying hidden property, vehicles, and financial accounts
Social network mapping – Tracking associates, family connections, and frequent contacts
Digital footprint analysis – Monitoring online activities and communication patterns
Physical surveillance coordination – Establishing new observation points and timing patterns

Costs range from $75-150 hourly, with complex cases requiring 10-30 hours depending on subject cooperation and available information quality.

Phase 4: Legal Preparation – “I’m Ready to Take Action”

When clients reach the legal preparation phase, private investigators shift their focus to supporting formal legal proceedings through specialized services. Litigation support encompasses organizing evidence, preparing detailed reports, and providing expert testimony that meets court standards and procedural requirements. Process server support guarantees proper legal document delivery while maintaining chain of custody protocols essential for successful case outcomes. Additionally, the investigators ensure that the evidence collected is admissible in court, providing attorneys with credible information to strengthen their cases.

Litigation Support

Most litigation support investigations require thorough preparation and meticulous documentation to withstand courtroom scrutiny. Professional investigators collaborate closely with attorneys to guarantee evidence meets legal standards and supports case strategy. This specialized service demands higher investment due to the precision required for court proceedings.

Litigation advice from experienced investigators proves invaluable when building compelling cases. Their expertise in evidence presentation can greatly impact outcomes in divorce, custody, or fraud proceedings.

Key litigation support services include:

Expert witness testimony and deposition preparation
Chain of custody documentation for all evidence
Detailed case file organization and indexing
Court-ready reports with detailed findings summaries

Investigators typically charge premium rates for litigation support, reflecting the specialized knowledge required to navigate complex legal requirements and maintain evidence integrity throughout proceedings.

Process Server Support

Several legal proceedings require professional service of process to secure proper notification and constitutional due process rights. Process server efficiency becomes critical when divorce papers, custody modifications, or restraining orders demand timely delivery within strict legal timeframes.

Professional process servers typically charge $75-150 per successful service attempt in Hanahan, with additional fees for rush services or difficult-to-locate recipients. Multiple attempt fees range $25-50 each when initial service fails. Legal document delivery costs increase considerably for evasive subjects requiring surveillance techniques or specialized timing strategies.

Complex cases involving uncooperative recipients may require investigative support to establish location patterns, workplace schedules, or residential verification. These enhanced services cost $200-400 but guarantee successful completion when standard approaches fail, protecting your legal proceedings from procedural dismissals.

Phase 5: Divorce/Custody Proceedings – “I Need Help With Custody”

During divorce and custody proceedings, parents may require professional investigation services to document childcare practices and living conditions that could impact custody determinations. Childcare investigations typically involve surveillance and documentation of the opposing party’s parenting behaviors, home environment safety, and adherence to existing custody arrangements. These investigations provide courts with objective evidence regarding a parent’s fitness and the child’s welfare in various custodial situations. Additionally, private investigators may also gather photographic documentation of any signs of neglect or abuse to support custody claims.

Childcare Investigation (for custody disputes)

Child custody investigations represent a critical component of family law proceedings where the welfare and safety of minors take precedence over all other considerations. These specialized investigations focus on childcare safety protocols and thorough custody evaluation procedures that courts rely upon when making determinations about parental fitness and living arrangements.

Professional investigators examine multiple facets of each parent’s environment and capabilities:

Home environment assessment – Evaluating living conditions, safety measures, and stability factors
Parental behavior documentation – Monitoring interactions, discipline methods, and emotional availability
Childcare provider verification – Investigating babysitters, daycare facilities, and extended family caregivers
Routine and schedule analysis – Documenting consistency in daily care, education support, and medical attention

These investigations provide courts with objective evidence necessary for informed custody decisions that prioritize children’s best interests above parental preferences.

Additional Information About Hanahan, SC

hanahan investigation privacy considerations

Hanahan, South Carolina presents unique considerations for private investigation services, particularly regarding residential surveillance and child custody cases. The city’s distinct neighborhoods offer varying levels of privacy and accessibility that can impact investigation costs and methodologies. Educational facilities within Hanahan also play an essential role in custody investigations, as school districts and institutional policies may influence evidence gathering procedures and associated expenses. Given the importance of maintaining confidentiality, it’s vital to explore privacy safeguards to protect sensitive information during investigations.

Best Neighborhoods in Hanahan, SC

When selecting a residential area in Hanahan, South Carolina, prospective residents and current homeowners often evaluate neighborhoods based on factors such as safety, property values, proximity to amenities, and community characteristics. Several established neighborhoods consistently rank among the most desirable locations within this Berkeley County community.

The most sought-after residential areas include:

Tanner Plantation – Upscale community featuring golf course access and premium amenities
Northwoods – Family-oriented neighborhood with mature trees and established homes
Rivers Edge – Waterfront properties offering scenic views and recreational opportunities
Central Hanahan – Historic area providing walkable access to Hanahan parks and local dining establishments

These neighborhoods typically maintain higher property values while offering residents convenient access to schools, shopping centers, and recreational facilities that define Hanahan’s residential appeal.

Best Schools in Hanahan, SC

How do educational opportunities influence residential decisions for families considering relocation to this Berkeley County community? Hanahan’s best educational institutions consistently attract families seeking quality academic environments for their children. The city’s elementary and middle schools maintain strong performance ratings, while students typically move on to Hanahan High School, known for its extensive programs and dedicated faculty. Beyond traditional academics, these schools offer robust extracurricular programs that complement family friendly activities throughout the community. Parents frequently cite the manageable class sizes and individualized attention as key factors in their decision-making process. The educational landscape, combined with Hanahan’s strategic location near Charleston, creates an environment where families can balance academic excellence with recreational opportunities, making it an increasingly popular choice for those prioritizing educational quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Offer Payment Plans for Investigation Services?

Stillinger Investigations recognizes that financial considerations often accompany emotionally challenging situations requiring investigative services. The firm demonstrates commitment to client satisfaction by offering payment flexibility options for their thorough investigation services. Their professional approach includes discussing financial arrangements during the free initial consultation, ensuring clients can access necessary investigative support without additional stress. This payment flexibility reflects their understanding that seeking truth shouldn’t be hindered by immediate financial constraints during difficult personal circumstances.

How Much Does a Basic Surveillance Investigation Cost per Day?

Basic surveillance investigations typically range from $75-$150 per day, depending on complexity and duration. Daily rates fluctuate based on required surveillance equipment, number of investigators assigned, and geographic location. Most firms structure pricing around 8-12 hour operational periods, with premium charges for specialized technology or extended coverage. Clients should expect additional costs for advanced surveillance equipment, travel expenses, and thorough documentation. Professional investigators often provide detailed cost breakdowns during initial consultations.

What’s the Average Total Cost for a Complete Infidelity Investigation?

Complete infidelity investigations typically range from $2,500 to $8,000, though average investigation fees can vary greatly. Factors influencing costs include case complexity, surveillance duration, geographic scope, and evidence requirements. Simple cases requiring minimal documentation may cost less, while thorough investigations involving digital forensics, extended surveillance, and detailed documentation for court proceedings command higher fees. Most investigators structure pricing based on estimated hours and specific client objectives.

Are There Extra Charges for Weekend or Evening Surveillance Work?

Most private investigation agencies implement premium pricing structures for non-standard hours. Weekend rates typically increase 25-50% above standard weekday fees, while evening charges often add 15-30% to base hourly costs. These adjustments reflect increased operational demands and investigator availability constraints during personal time. However, infidelity cases frequently require surveillance during these precise timeframes when suspicious activities occur, making these premium rates a necessary investment for thorough evidence gathering.

Do You Require a Retainer Fee Before Starting the Investigation?

Most private investigation firms, including Stillinger Investigations, typically require retainer fees before initiating surveillance work. These upfront payments secure investigative services and cover initial operational costs. Retainer amounts vary based on case complexity and anticipated investigation duration. The fee structure guarantees investigators can dedicate necessary resources to sensitive marital cases while providing clients with transparent financial expectations. Retainer policies protect both parties and demonstrate the firm’s commitment to professional service delivery throughout emotionally challenging circumstances.

Conclusion

Private investigation costs in Hanahan reflect a multi-tiered approach to various case types, with expenses escalating from initial consultation fees around $200-500 to extensive surveillance operations reaching $3,000-8,000 weekly. Legal preparation and documentation services command premium pricing due to specialized requirements. Regional factors, including South Carolina’s legal framework and Charleston metropolitan area geography, influence final costs. Clients should budget thoroughly across all case phases rather than focusing solely on hourly investigator rates.

Let us Help

Stillinger Investigations, Inc.

170 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401

843-212-1338