When you are facing a child custody dispute, the stakes are higher than in almost any other legal battle. It isn't just about assets or logistics; it is about the safety, well-being, and future of your children. These situations are inherently emotional and often high-stress, leaving parents feeling overwhelmed by the legal system, whether the case is unfolding in Dallas, Fort Worth, or elsewhere across the DFW Metroplex.
At Armstrong Investigations, PLLC, we understand that "best interests of the child" is more than just a legal standard: it is a parent's primary mission. While the courts and organizations like Child Protective Services (CPS) have their own roles to play, they are often overburdened and move slowly. This is where a professional private investigator becomes an invaluable ally. We provide the objective, admissible evidence needed to ensure that the facts of a child’s living situation are clearly presented to the court for families across North Texas, including the surrounding counties we serve throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
The Professional Advantage: A Legal Perspective
Navigating child custody cases requires more than just surveillance skills; it requires a deep understanding of how evidence is used in a courtroom. Our founder, Jasen A. Armstrong, holds a J.D. (Juris Doctor) and graduated from law school in 2015. This legal background is a cornerstone of how we operate at Armstrong Investigations, PLLC.
Because we understand the nuances of family law and have extensive experience working alongside family law attorneys, we know exactly what kind of evidence is "admissible" and what is merely "anecdotal." Our investigations are designed to stand up to the scrutiny of opposing counsel and judges alike, providing your legal team with the solid foundation they need to advocate for your children.
Key Services in Custody and Neglect Investigations
Every family situation is unique, but several core investigative services are frequently utilized to protect children and support a parent’s case.
1. Comprehensive Background Checks on New Partners
In many post-divorce scenarios, a parent may begin dating or living with a new partner. While this is a natural part of moving forward, it can introduce a stranger into your child’s life. If you have concerns about who is spending time around your children, we can perform exhaustive background checks for families in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Rockwall, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Wise, Hunt, Navarro, Henderson, Hood, Somervell, Erath, and Palo Pinto counties.
We look beyond basic public records to uncover criminal histories, past allegations of domestic violence, or patterns of behavior that could put a child at risk. Knowing who is in the household is a critical step in ensuring a safe environment for your children during their visitation time.
2. Verifying Living Conditions and Home Environments
The court’s primary concern is the environment in which the child lives. At Armstrong Investigations, PLLC, we can conduct spot checks and surveillance to document the reality of a child's living conditions. This includes verifying if a home is safe, sanitary, and appropriately equipped for a child, whether that home is in a Dallas suburb, Fort Worth neighborhood, or a more rural part of the surrounding North Texas counties.
On the flip side, if there are allegations of neglect: such as a lack of food, dangerous living conditions, or children being left unsupervised for extended periods: we document these instances meticulously. Our goal is to provide a clear, unbiased picture of the child's daily reality when they are away from you.
3. Documenting Substance Abuse and High-Risk Behavior
One of the most difficult aspects of a custody battle is proving that a parent is struggling with substance abuse or engaging in high-risk behaviors that impair their ability to parent. Verbal accusations in court are often met with denials, creating a "he-said, she-said" stalemate.
Professional surveillance can change that. We use high-end equipment and discreet methods to document alcohol or drug abuse, or other behaviors (such as frequenting dangerous locations with children present). This evidence is powerful because it is objective; a timestamped video of a parent's impairment during their scheduled parenting time is difficult to refute.
Navigating the Texas Legal Landscape
In Texas, family law has specific nuances that every parent should be aware of. When we work on these cases, we stay strictly within the framework of Texas statutes to ensure our findings are useful to your attorney, whether your case is centered in Dallas County, Tarrant County, Collin County, Denton County, or another court in the greater DFW area.
Temporary Spousal Support
It is important to clarify terminology used in our state. In Texas, we do not use the term "alimony" in the traditional sense during the litigation process. Instead, Texas law provides for Temporary Spousal Support. This is available in a select number of cases while a divorce is pending to ensure that both parties can maintain their basic needs and the needs of their children. Our investigations can sometimes assist in these matters by documenting the financial realities or cohabitation status of a spouse seeking support, which may influence the court’s decision.
Equality for Same-Sex Couples
Since the landmark 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision, the legal landscape for same-sex couples in Texas has been clarified: same-sex couples are treated exactly the same as opposite-sex couples in all Texas family law issues.
This means that in child custody and neglect investigations, the standards are identical regardless of the parents' gender. The court’s focus remains squarely on the "best interest of the child." At Armstrong Investigations, PLLC, we are committed to providing professional, unbiased investigative support to all families, ensuring that every parent has the evidence they need to protect their parental rights and their children’s safety.
Working with Your Legal Team
We believe that the best results come from a collaborative approach. We frequently work directly with family law attorneys to ensure that our investigative strategy aligns with their legal strategy, including counsel representing clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and surrounding counties.
When you hire Armstrong Investigations, PLLC, we don't just hand you a file and walk away. We provide detailed reports, organized evidence, and, if necessary, professional testimony in court. Having a PI who understands the legal process: thanks to Jasen A. Armstrong’s J.D. and our affiliation with firms like Howard Law, PLLC: means that your evidence is handled with the highest level of professional care.
Why Professional Intervention Matters
Attempting to gather your own evidence in a custody case can be risky. Not only can it be emotionally draining, but "self-help" investigations often cross legal lines, leading to evidence being thrown out or, worse, criminal charges for the parent involved.
By hiring a licensed professional, you ensure that:
- Evidence is legally obtained: We know the laws regarding privacy and surveillance.
- Objectivity is maintained: A third-party report carries much more weight in court than a parent's testimony alone.
- Safety is prioritized: You can maintain a safe distance from a potentially volatile situation while still getting the answers you need.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Future
Child custody and neglect investigations are about finding the truth to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Whether you are trying to prove that you provide the more stable environment or you have genuine concerns about your child’s safety in another’s care, you don't have to navigate this alone. We proudly serve clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, across North Texas, and in the surrounding counties where these family law disputes often unfold.
Armstrong Investigations, PLLC is here to provide the clarity and evidence you need during one of life's most challenging seasons. With a foundation in legal expertise and a commitment to professional excellence, we help families across DFW fight for the best possible future for their children.
Jasen A. Armstrong, J.D.
Armstrong Investigations, PLLC
P: 214-851-3800 | W: armstronginvestigations.com
Texas DPS Lic. #: 166353101 | Affiliated with TCS Consulting (TX DPS Lic. #: C20493) & Howard Law, PLLC