How to prepare for a confidential investigation enquiry
Prepare a short factual outline, the question you need answered, the general location and safe contact preferences. Keep detailed documents for the private briefing stage after suitability assessment.
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Before you proceed
- Write a short chronology, separating fact from suspicion.
- State safe contact preferences and any timing restrictions.
- Mention documents, then provide only those requested privately.
Explain the decision you face
Start with a short explanation of what you need to understand. You may be deciding whether to continue an online connection, clarify an inconsistency or explore a relationship investigation. You do not need to choose the investigation method before speaking with us. A clear question helps identify whether desktop research, a field enquiry or another professional pathway may be appropriate. It also helps avoid paying for work that would not resolve your actual concern.
Separate observations from assumptions
Describe what you directly observed and distinguish it from what someone else told you or what you suspect. Dates and a short sequence of events can help, but an initial enquiry does not need a complete evidence collection. If you do not know something, say so. An investigation should test a question rather than begin with a promised conclusion. Uncertainty is part of the assessment and should remain visible in the resulting scope.
What helps with an infidelity enquiry?
For a relationship concern, a short chronology, the relevant general location and the factual question are useful starting points. Distinguish dates you know from estimates. Explain any contact restrictions and whether a reply or voicemail is safe. Do not obtain new material through private-account access or tracking. If accepted, the investigator can request relevant existing records through the portal and explain which field or desktop options are suitable.
Tell us how to reply safely
Choose the contact method that is suitable for you and tell us about any timing restrictions. If you choose a phone call, say whether voicemail is safe. Consider whether another person can see notifications on the account or device you plan to use. Do not assume that sending an enquiry makes a shared inbox private. PartnerCheck’s first-contact form asks about safe contact preferences so that the response can follow your instructions.
Keep the first message proportionate
Provide a brief outline of the concern, the question you want answered and the general location if attendance may be needed. Avoid sending passwords, identity documents, intimate material or extensive third-party information at first contact. You can mention that relevant material exists without attaching it. If the matter is accepted, the necessary detail can be requested through the agreed restricted briefing process. Keep original records intact and explain the source of any material you later supply.
Mention restrictions that affect the scope
Raise any relevant court order, legal proceeding, concern involving a child or immediate safety issue during the suitability discussion. These circumstances may change what work is appropriate or whether the enquiry can be accepted. Do not ask for an investigation to bypass a restriction or enable unwanted contact. An investigation is not emergency assistance. If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. A suitable professional referral may be more appropriate than research.
Understand what happens after contact
The first step is a suitability assessment, not automatic acceptance of work. We consider the purpose, available information, feasibility and potential scope. For a suitable matter, the proposed work should explain the questions, relevant methods, reporting, total cost and limitations. Ask how changes or extra work will be authorised. Making an enquiry does not mean that a result is guaranteed, a booking is confirmed or an engagement has been created.
A practical first-message example
A hypothetical enquiry might say: “I would like to discuss a relationship concern in Brisbane. I need to understand whether a factual enquiry is suitable. Email is safest and please do not call. I can provide a short chronology if the matter proceeds.” This is an illustration, not a real client message. Use your own circumstances and contact preferences. PartnerCheck is licensed to provide investigation services across Australia. Field enquiries are assessed nationally, subject to availability and written scope. Suitable desktop checks are assessed Australia-wide.
General information only. Each enquiry is assessed individually. This guide is not legal advice.
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