Suspecting that a partner might be unfaithful is one of the most taxing emotional experiences a person can endure. Whether you are in a long-term ceremonial marriage, a common-law marriage recognized by the State of Texas, or a committed non-marital relationship, the uncertainty can be paralyzing. At Armstrong Investigations, PLLC, we understand that when you reach out to us, you aren't just looking for "a private eye": you are looking for the truth, professional clarity, and a path forward.
Across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, North Texas, and surrounding counties, infidelity investigations are a core part of what we do. We regularly assist clients in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Rockwall, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Wise, Hunt, Navarro, Henderson, Hood, Somervell, Erath, and Palo Pinto counties. However, one of the first questions almost every client asks is: "How much is this going to cost?"
Understanding the financial investment required for a professional investigation is crucial. Investigative fees apply to all our services, and being informed about how these costs are structured can help you make the best decision for your specific situation. Here are 10 things you should know about the costs and considerations of an infidelity investigation.
1. Hourly Rates: The Professional Baseline
The most common way private investigative services are billed is through an hourly rate. In the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, professional rates typically range between $75 and $200 per hour, depending on the complexity of the case and the experience of the firm. At Armstrong Investigations, PLLC, we prioritize transparent billing so you know exactly where your investment is going. Hourly rates cover the active time an investigator spends on surveillance, background research, and active field operations.
2. The Retainer: Your Upfront Commitment
Most reputable firms, including Armstrong Investigations, PLLC, require an upfront retainer before the investigation begins. Think of a retainer as a "down payment" on the hours that will be worked. If a case is estimated to take 20 hours of surveillance, the retainer will reflect that estimate. It’s important to understand that a retainer is not necessarily a flat fee; if the investigation exceeds the initial hours agreed upon, additional investigative fees apply. Conversely, if the case is resolved faster than expected, remaining funds are handled according to the terms of your service agreement.
3. Inclusivity Matters: Every Relationship is Valid
At Armstrong Investigations, PLLC, we provide inclusive investigative services for clients across Dallas-Fort Worth, North Texas, and the surrounding counties. Whether you are in a same-sex relationship, a traditional ceremonial marriage, or a non-marital partnership, the emotional stakes are the same. Our approach is always respectful and professional, regardless of the nature of the relationship. The costs associated with an investigation don't change based on who you love; they change based on the logistics required to get the answers you deserve.
4. Texas Common Law Marriage: A Unique Legal Factor
Texas is one of the few states that recognizes informal or "common law" marriages. For a common-law marriage to be valid in Texas, three elements must be met: you must agree to be married, live together in Texas as a couple, and represent to others that you are married.
If you are in a common-law marriage and suspect infidelity, the investigation can have significant legal implications for property division or alimony during a formal divorce. Because these cases often involve proving the existence of the marriage alongside the infidelity, they can sometimes require more extensive background work, which can influence the total cost of the investigation.
5. Surveillance Duration: The "Clock" Factor
Infidelity doesn't always happen on a schedule. Some targets are highly predictable, while others are incredibly sporadic in their behavior. The length of time required for surveillance is the biggest driver of cost. A one-night "check-in" is significantly less expensive than a week-long surveillance operation that follows a spouse on a business trip or during irregular late-night "work" hours. We work closely with our clients to identify the most likely windows of opportunity to keep the investigation as efficient as possible.
6. Equipment and Specialized Technology
Professional surveillance requires more than just a car and a camera. High-end investigations often utilize specialized equipment such as long-range telephoto lenses, night-vision technology, and covert cameras. While some firms include equipment in their hourly rate, others may charge a small rental or usage fee for high-end gear. At Armstrong Investigations, PLLC, we utilize professional-grade technology to ensure that the evidence we gather is clear, indisputable, and, if necessary, ready for a courtroom.
7. Travel, Mileage, and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Dallas is a sprawling city, and it’s not uncommon for an investigation to lead us from North Dallas down to downtown or across the wider DFW area into Fort Worth, Plano, Rockwall, Denton, or surrounding parts of North Texas. Most private investigators charge for mileage and any out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the chase, such as parking fees, tolls, or entry fees into venues where the target is located. These are standard "investigative fees apply" scenarios that should be discussed during your initial consultation.
8. Multi-Investigator Logistics: When One Isn’t Enough
In certain high-stakes or high-traffic environments, a single investigator may not be enough to maintain cover or keep eyes on a target. For example, if a target is leaving a high-rise office building with multiple exits or driving in heavy traffic, a two-person team is often necessary to ensure the target isn't lost. While doubling the investigators doubles the hourly rate, it significantly increases the chances of a successful outcome, potentially saving you money in the long run by preventing "lost" days of surveillance.
9. Documentation and Evidence Preparation
Gathering the evidence is only half the battle. After the surveillance is complete, time must be spent reviewing footage, organizing photos, and writing a comprehensive, professional report. This documentation is what you ultimately "own" at the end of the process. If your case is heading to a divorce court in Dallas or elsewhere in the DFW Metroplex, this report becomes a vital piece of evidence. The time spent on this administrative and preparatory work is billed at the investigative rate, as it requires the same level of professional scrutiny as the field work itself.
10. The Peace of Mind Dividend: Confirming the Negative
One of the most overlooked outcomes of our work is the "negative result." At Armstrong Investigations, PLLC, we often find that the suspected spouse is not cheating. They may be dealing with a secret gambling addiction, a high-stress project at work, or simply spending time with friends they felt they couldn't mention.
Confirming that your partner is being faithful provides a level of peace of mind that is truly priceless. While the investigative fees apply just the same, the relief of knowing your relationship is intact is often the best possible return on your investment. It allows couples to stop the cycle of suspicion and start the process of rebuilding trust.
Why Choose Armstrong Investigations, PLLC?
When you are dealing with the potential for betrayal, you need a firm that combines legal knowledge with elite investigative skills. As a firm led by a professional with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, we understand the evidentiary standards required for Texas courts. We don't just provide "info"; we provide a professional investigative product that stands up to scrutiny.
If you are ready to get the answers you need: whether for a ceremonial marriage, a common-law union, or a domestic partnership in Dallas, Fort Worth, or anywhere across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and surrounding North Texas counties: contact us today. We provide discreet, professional, and thorough services to help you navigate one of life's most difficult challenges throughout DFW.
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