If you find your self looking to hire a private investigator for video surveillance because you suspect your husband or wife is having an extra marital affair, there are 10 things that you should never do. You want to give your private investigator every opportunity to obtain as much video as possible of your cheating spouse, as this infidelity will most likely lead to divorce. Divorce is a painful experience that no one wants to endure— however, if your cheating spouse has put you in the awful position of having to endure their infidelity, you might as well arm yourself with the most leverage possible by hiring a Private Investigator to protect yourself and your assets.

If you have decided to hire a private investigator for video surveillance to catch a cheating spouse, it will be difficult and painful to sit back and allow your spouse to continue their infidelity. At this point, with divorce a distinct possibility, you must begin to treat your matrimonial issues as an opportunity to leverage future divorce proceedings. The window of opportunity is small, you must take advantage of it while it presents itself.

1. Do Not Confront Your Spouse.

As hard as it will be to resist your desire to confront your spouse when you initially find out of their extra marital affair, you can not confront them. Once you do, you will lose the opportunity to obtain video of your cheating spouse. Take advantage of the opportunity they have handed you, turn their infidelity into your leverage for divorce negotiations as outlined above.

2. Don’t let your spouse discover your plans.

You can not tip your hand that you are reaching out to a private investigator. You must remain calm and act normally. You can not let on that you are aware of their infidelity as it will compromise the video surveillance efforts.

3. Secure A New E-mail Address & Cell Phone Number.

As I have outlined previously, securing a new gmail address and google voice number to communicate privately and confidentially with your attorney and private investigator is critical throughout the investigation. At no time do you want your cheating spouse to become aware that you have hired a private detective or an attorney because of their extra marital affairs. You want them to behave normally so your private investigator will be able to catch them with their secret lover.

4. Give Them The Rope To Hang Themselves.

Back off a bit, and make it easy for them to cheat. At this point, if you are hiring a private investigator for video surveillance of a cheating spouse, accept your matrimonial issues and go all in. Make it easy for your husband or wife. After all, the video of your cheating spouse kissing at a bar will be invaluable to you down the road.

5. Don’t Tell Anyone.

Loose lips sink ships. Trust no one regarding the hiring of your private investigator. More people knowing your intentions increases the likelihood of your spouse discovering that he/she is being surveilled.

6. Do Not Change Your Behavioral Patterns.

It is important to remain consistent in your day to day behavior. Your spouse is used to your daily patterns, and may exploit your regular schedule to allow them to cheat. Do not take these opportunities away from them while attempting to acquire video evidence of their infidelity.

7. Do Not Ask Your Children Any Unusual Questions.

Regardless of age, do not ask your children any questions about your spouse’s actions. They are more likely to to tip off your cheating spouse then they are to providing you with any insight into the situation. The best answers are caught on video for all to see, where they can not be disputed.

8. Do Not Try To Follow Your Cheating Spouse Yourself.

Inexperienced investigators are likely to be made (meaning discovered by the target of surveillance). There are also measures to be taken to make sure the video evidence will be admissible as evidence in court. If you are discovered trying to surveil your spouse, the chance for future successful surveillance is almost completely gone.

9. Do Not Follow The Lover Yourself.

Not only does number 8 apply here as well, but following your spouse’s lover can be legally perilous. If you are not a licensed private investigator, following someone can be considered stalking. There is also a high risk of emotionally charged confrontation during this scenario. Once they know you are on to their behavior, you have likely lost your chance to gain the upper hand in court proceedings in the future. Take the high road, hire a professional private investigator.

10. Do Not Show Your Cheating Spouse The Incriminating Video Before Consulting With An Attorney.

When your private investigator obtains incriminating evidence of your cheating spouse, it is important to consult with your attorney before showing your cheating spouse the incriminating video. Allow your attorney to guide you through the legal process of divorce, how to initiate the divorce process and what exactly the divorce process entails, if that is in fact how you choose to proceed.