Private Investigator

Parent Q&A

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  • private investigator

    Aug 17, 2021

    I know it's ridiculous but I am starting to seriously consider hiring a private investigator to find out what my 20 year old is doing. There are several scary signs they are up to no good, but I'd rather not list them here. My husband and I have confronted them asking them to come clean and tell us what's happening, but they keep making up stories and while we can tell they are all lies we can't know that for sure and there's no proof. I am at my wit's end and am afraid they'll end up in jail or hurt if they don't stop whatever they are doing. I have no idea what private investigator rates are, but I'd like to at least find out if there's someone like that who could help us find out once and for all what our young adult is up to and what it may cost us. 

    Has anyone used a private investigator they liked?  What is a reasonable rate for one?

    Thanks.

    I can recommend Bruce Gerstman but you need to ask yourself what you plan to do if something does turn up?  Your child is an adult, after all.  If you plan to confront them, be prepared to explain how you got that information and the loss of trust that will follow.  It's a cost benefit assessment.  On the other hand. there's nothing worse than a parent's imagination gone wild, and perhaps the information you get will ease your mind.  However, you'd need to keep your investigation a secret between you and your spouse forever.

    I personally know a private investigator. I have not worked with him, but I trust he is conscientious and through. Name is Mike Spencer, and here is his website: https://spencerpi.com. Good luck!

    I highly recommend Mike Spencer Investigations.  He is more through than other private investigators because he was a journalist and pays attention to details that others may overlook.
    https://spencerpi.com/about-us/
    Many attorneys hire him. 

Archived Q&A and Reviews


March 2011

I'm looking for a private investigator to do some research on a previous employer... specifically how that employer is handling phone calls about me when asked about my performance. In my field it's common for a potential employer or client to call a previous employer or head of department, unsolicited, when I'm a strong candidate for a job. For obvious reasons, that's all the detail I can give on BPN... and welcome any and all recommendations you have. Many Thanks!!


I would like to recommend John Facchin of Facchin and Associates from Danville Ca. He is very professional and has reasonable rates. Web site : www.4riskrx.com and 'phone number is: (925) 285-0850 Happy former client
April 2008

I am trying to find a good private investigator in order to collect the information about my ex-husband's behavior (need the info for custody trial), and wonder if anybody used a private investigator for any reason and could suggest someone.


Hi, I have a personal friend who has been a P.I. for many years and who does excellent work. Her name is Barbara Yaley ph. 510 849 2029. Give her a call. If she can't help you I'm sure she could recommend someone. Good luck! BC
I used an excellent private investigator during my divorce to find out about different assets my husband was hiding and then again to locate an old friend. Her name is Lori Wallerstein and her website is www.360intelligence.net. Her phone is 415-990-9230. In addition, she is an attorney so she was able to think with two hats. She was completely easy to talk to, professional and left no stone unturned. I could not recommend her more highly. She is not the cheapest, but in the end she saved me a lot of money. Kim
April 2005

I am hoping to get a referral for a private investigator to help me deal with an ex who is tranferring and hiding money among other things to avoid paying support. Ideally someone with a legal background If you have worked with someone please give me the info. Thanks. karibu


I lost track of a dear Irish friend a bit more than 10 years ago. Sadly, I know this friend was convicted of fraud in the mid 1990s. I don't know the sentence my friend received or anything subsequent to the conviction. I would like to hire a private investigator who can help me find my friend's whereabouts. Can anyone recommend someone with expertise in Ireland? I'm hopeful this is not a very expensive venture. I just need to find someone with access to records in Ireland. Thanks. Anonymous
I know a wonderful private investigator (who is also an attorney) named Lori Wallerstein. I can't say enough positive things about her. She is very competent, discreet, and easy to talk to. She has helped me and a few of my friends/family find missing friends, locate assets, and do background checks. She does work throughout the U.S. and internationally. Her main office is in San Francisco at One Embarcadero Center and phone is 415-773-2821. Kim
Jan 2003

Looking for a good, resonably priced private investigator in the bay area. We couldn't find any recommendations on the site previously unless we are looking in the wrong place. Thanks for any help you can give! anon


An excellent and reasonable private investigator in Oakland is Michael Rosenblum (he is also a lawyer). 510-444-6699 Suzanne