Overview: Surveillance in Support of Child Custody Proceedings
In late 2023, Privin Network‘s private investigators in Brussels, Wisconsin were retained by a private client involved in a contentious child custody dispute. The client sought evidence that her former partner was engaging in behavior inconsistent with sobriety and safe parenting. Specifically involving alcohol use, suspicious financial activity, and unstable lifestyle routines.
With a January 2024 court hearing approaching, the client’s attorney requested formal surveillance, asset tracing, and professional documentation that could support a motion to limit the subject’s custodial rights. Due to gaps in alcohol testing and behavioral concerns, the investigation required a combination of mobile surveillance, schedule verification, and field documentation.
Child Custody Case Scope in Brussels, WI
Client Objectives:
- Verify whether the subject was actively consuming alcohol or engaging in inappropriate behavior during parenting hours
- Confirm inconsistencies in work and income reporting
- Document residence-based activity and associations
- Provide court-admissible surveillance evidence for rebuttal
Challenges Encountered:
- Surveillance in a rural setting with limited cover
- Monitoring multiple third-party drivers and household members
- Ensuring discretion and continuity during holiday travel
Key Findings and Documentation
Substance Use Concerns
Surveillance captured the subject in possession of bottles labeled as non-alcoholic beer; however, based on client-provided context, it was suspected that the subject may have been mixing alcohol into these containers to evade detection while staying at his mother’s residence, where alcohol was prohibited.
Routine Pattern Surveillance
- The subject was observed arriving and departing work with various individuals, raising concern over cohabitation and vehicle access not previously disclosed
- The subject’s alcohol testing schedule showed extended gaps, especially around Christmas, further supporting the need for observation
- In one instance, the subject was not observed at all for a full day, triggering concern from the client, who later requested local jail checks to confirm his whereabouts
Video and Schedule Documentation
- Video evidence was collected at work and nearby locations, with timestamps to demonstrate compliance and deviation
- Communication logs, behavioral notes, and vehicle surveillance were delivered in a final report
- Privin Network was later named as a rebuttal witness via subpoena for the court hearing
Outcome and Legal Use
The surveillance confirmed concerns raised by the client, including behavioral inconsistencies and questionable adherence to alcohol testing. While no direct consumption was observed on camera, the documented lifestyle patterns, evasion tactics, and logistical oddities surrounding rides and employment helped bolster the client’s position.
The report was submitted to legal counsel, and Privin Network was formally named as a rebuttal witness in family court proceedings. The submitted evidence contributed to a motion for custody review based on concerns for child safety and home environment stability.
At Privin Network, we support custody cases with clear, professional, and confidential surveillance—because the welfare of children deserves more than speculation.
Need Surveillance Support in a Custody Dispute?
Whether it’s alcohol misuse, unstable behavior, or questionable associations, Privin Network provides strategic family law surveillance backed by courtroom-ready reporting and subpoena compliance.
Request a Confidential Consultation 24/7 365 →
Frequently Asked Questions – Child Custody Surveillance
Surveillance provides unbiased, timestamped documentation of a subject’s behavior, routine, and environment. In custody cases, it can help determine whether a parent is upholding court-ordered conditions such as sobriety, stable housing, or responsible supervision.
Yes. Surveillance conducted in public spaces, or through legally accessible vantage points, is lawful in Wisconsin. Privin Network adheres strictly to state laws and privacy regulations during all child custody investigations.
While judges make decisions based on a variety of factors, documented behavior that contradicts court orders or raises concern for child safety can significantly impact custody rulings. Surveillance is often used alongside testing records, professional testimony, and other case materials.
Our investigators are trained to identify and track patterns of third-party involvement—such as using another person to drive, mask behavior, or provide false impressions of compliance. These tactics are documented and included in our final report.
Patterns that courts may view negatively include: alcohol or drug use, unapproved overnight guests, erratic employment, frequent absences, or dishonesty in court-related disclosures. Our team focuses on verifying or disproving such behaviors.
Yes. We are routinely named as rebuttal witnesses or neutral third parties in court. Our reports are prepared to meet evidentiary standards, and our investigators are experienced in providing courtroom testimony when needed.
