Getting married is one of the most important things that can happen to a person. But before you say “I do,” it’s important to know a fair bit about your partner and their past. It isn’t uncommon for people to find a partner with a secret past and multiple identities, like this case. This post explains what a premarital investigation is and how it can help you.
What is a Premarital Investigation?
A premarital investigation is an in-depth background check that helps you gain a comprehensive understanding of your potential partner’s history. It includes an investigation into your partner’s past relationships, financial status, employment history, criminal records, and other pertinent information that can affect your future together.
While we all want to think our significant others have been 100% honest about who they are, where they’ve come from, and what obligations they may have, the truth is that there is no way to know for sure without an investigation, and it takes due diligence that most people don’t have the training or experience to do on their own.
Why is a Premarital Investigation Necessary?
A premarital investigation can provide you with valuable information that can help you make an informed decision about your relationship. Here are some reasons why a premarital investigation may be necessary:
1. To Avoid Fraudulent Marriages
A premarital investigation can help prevent fraudulent marriages, which are becoming increasingly common. In some cases, individuals enter into a marriage for immigration or financial gain, without any real commitment to their partner. A premarital investigation can help uncover any hidden motives and protect you from becoming a victim of fraud.
2. To Ensure Compatibility
A premarital investigation can help you determine if you and your partner are compatible in terms of values, beliefs, and lifestyle. This can help you avoid potential conflicts down the road and ensure a happy and successful marriage.
3. To Identify Potential Red Flags
A premarital investigation can uncover any potential red flags, such as a history of infidelity or criminal behavior. Knowing this information beforehand can help you make an informed decision about whether to continue with the relationship.
4. To Uncover a History of Infidelity
A premarital investigation can reveal whether your partner has a history of infidelity before you commit. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy puts the figures at about 15% of married women and 25% of married men having extramarital affairs — and those numbers rise by around 20% when emotional relationships without intercourse are included. For working professionals or public servants especially, a potential affair can cause severe damage to reputations or business profiles.
5. To Confirm Any Previous Marriages
A premarital investigation can confirm whether your partner has been married before — and ensure your upcoming wedding is entirely legal. Some people hide their marriage pasts for understandable reasons, perhaps they were abused or faced severe financial repercussions and are embarrassed by those challenges. Bringing these issues to light is an opportunity to build a stronger bridge for communication. You don’t want to be in the middle of your honeymoon and get a call saying you just married someone else’s spouse.
6. To Check for a Criminal Record
A premarital investigation can uncover any criminal history your partner may not have disclosed. Nearly one-third of the adult working-age population has a criminal record — most are low-level offences from their youth, but not knowing the details can lead to serious problems down the road. Imagine trying to take a quick trip to Canada with your newlywed spouse and getting stopped by border patrol because their DUI is a felony offence in that country. Situations like this pop up all the time because partners don’t want to discuss something that makes them feel lesser in our eyes.
7. To Verify Their Family Background
A premarital investigation can verify your partner’s immediate family. Knowing the family you are committing to is a big deal, it never hurts to be aware of the playing field before saying “I do.” You wouldn’t want to be married for a few months and suddenly start getting endless phone calls from a distant uncle looking for a financial handout.
8. To Identify Problems with Addiction
A premarital investigation can let you know whether addiction is something you’ll have to deal with during your marriage. Addiction affects 21 million Americans, with only about 10% of that group seeking help. Someone with the commitment to face and overcome their addiction with complete transparency may well make an excellent partner, as they understand the value of what they’re fighting for — but for those who haven’t yet hit rock bottom, going into the fight with your eyes open is far better than being blind to the potential harm.
9. To Assess Their Financial Stability
A premarital investigation can assess whether your partner is financially stable — one of the biggest reasons couples request one. Financial problems are a leading cause of divorce in the United States, whether a partner is hiding significant student or credit card debt or has grossly overestimated their business worth. Investigators go through public filings to check for bankruptcies, debts, liens, and other financial issues that may contribute to an unhappy marriage. On the flip side, an investigation can corroborate the financial disclosures your partner has already made, it’s nice to know they have been open and honest about their background.
How Does a Premarital Investigation Work?
A premarital investigation typically involves a private investigator who conducts a thorough background check on your potential partner. The investigator will gather information from various sources, including public records, social media, and interviews with friends and family members. Many expert private investigators come from former law enforcement or military backgrounds, bringing training and experience to the due diligence process.
The investigation may take several weeks to complete, depending on the depth of the investigation and the availability of information. Once the investigation is complete, the investigator will provide you with a detailed report of their findings.
How to Hire a Premarital Investigator?
When hiring a premarital investigator, it’s essential to choose a reputable and experienced professional. Here are some tips to help you find the right investigator:
- Do your research: Look for an investigator with experience in premarital investigations and a good track record.
- Check their credentials: Make sure the investigator is licensed, bonded, and insured.
- Ask for references: A reputable investigator should be willing to provide you with references from past clients.
- Discuss pricing and services: Make sure you understand the investigator’s pricing and what services they will provide.
Conclusion
A premarital investigation can provide valuable information that can help you make an informed decision about your relationship. It can help you avoid fraudulent marriages, ensure compatibility, and identify potential red flags. The point of a premarital investigation isn’t to “catch” your lover in a lie, it’s to protect yourself from the fallout that can come when new information is suddenly brought to light. When you marry, you want to trust your significant other, but there are many legal, financial, and child custody reasons to keep you and your family insulated from previous problems that may threaten your future. If you are considering marriage, a premarital investigation may be worth considering to ensure a happy and successful marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Premarital Investigations
Why should I consider a premarital investigation?
It helps identify potential red flags, ensures compatibility, and protects against fraudulent marriages, providing peace of mind before committing to a lifelong partnership. It can also uncover undisclosed debts, criminal history, or previous marriages, ensuring transparency and trust in the relationship.
Who conducts a premarital investigation?
Licensed private investigators with experience in background checks perform these investigations, ensuring confidentiality and thoroughness in gathering information. Investigations can be initiated by the prospective bride, groom, or even concerned family members.
How long does a premarital investigation take?
The duration varies based on the complexity of the case and the availability of information but generally ranges from a few days to several weeks.
Is it legal to conduct a premarital investigation?
Yes, as long as the investigation adheres to local laws and regulations, ensuring that all information is obtained legally and ethically.
