Are you in the process of a legal separation or divorce, and you need to prove that your partner has been cohabiting with another person? Gathering evidence of cohabitation can be vital to your case as it can significantly impact the outcome of your legal proceedings.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of evidence that can be used to prove two people are living together. We will also discuss the ways you can benefit from hiring a private investigator (PI) to handle the investigation of the case.
Defining Cohabitation
Cohabitation is the state of living together as a couple without being married. It typically refers to an intimate relationship in which two people live together in a shared residence and share their domestic life, such as cooking, cleaning, and other household responsibilities. They may also share finances and make joint decisions about their lives together.
This setting of living together can be a precursor to marriage, or it can be a long-term, committed relationship without marriage. In some jurisdictions, this act of living together may also have legal implications particularly in family law, such as property rights, inheritance, and child custody.
Evidences to Prove Cohabitation
In a legal setting, various pieces of evidence can be used to prove two people are living together. Here are some of the most common pieces of evidence you can bring to court.
Photographs. Photos showing the couple together in their shared residence, or at events and activities they have attended together can be used to prove they have a relationship.
Financial records. Records such as bank statements, credit card statements, and utility bills that show the couple’s shared expenses can be strong evidence of living together.
Witnesses. People who have observed the couple living together and can testify to their relationship, such as neighbors, friends, and family members, can be valuable witnesses in a legal case.
Lease or rental agreements. A lease or rental agreement that lists alleged cohabitants as tenants can be used as proof of them living under a roof together.
Communication logs. Emails, text messages, or social media posts showing the couple’s communication and plans can also be used as evidence of living together.
Remember that the burden of proof is on the person claiming two people are living together, so it is essential to gather as much evidence as possible to support your case. It’s also important to consider the gathered evidence must be admissible and credible according to the law.
Why Hire a Private Investigator
Hiring a private investigator for a cohabitation investigation can benefit you, whether you’re *fighting a legal battle with your former partner or need to prove that you’re living with your partner. Here are the benefits you can take advantage of when hiring a PI.
Professional expertise. Private investigators are skilled in gathering evidence of a relationship for a legal case. They will know the best methods to use in evidence gathering while following legal and ethical guidelines.
Discreetness. These professionals can conduct an investigation discreetly, which can be important in situations where the parties involved prefer to keep the investigation private.
Objectivity. A private investigator is an unbiased third party, which can be important when emotions run high. They can gather evidence without the potential prejudice of the parties involved.
Time savings. They can conduct investigations more efficiently and quickly than any individual might be able to do on their own.
Presentation of evidence: PIs can also help you package and present the evidence they collect in a court-admissible format, making it more likely to be accepted by the court.
Surveillance. These professionals can conduct undercover work, which can be a very effective way to gather solid evidence.
Considering that hiring a private investigator costs a significant fee, the evidence they gather must be admissible and credible according to the jurisdiction’s laws. Also, you have to ensure that the PI you hire has the proper license and insurance.
The Bottom Line
Photographs, receipts, rental agreements, communication logs, and witnesses can be used as evidence to support your cohabitation case in court. However, to ensure they can be acceptable in a court proceeding, you should consider hiring professional services to look for these pieces of evidence. You should also first consult your legal counsel to understand the specific requirements and laws of the jurisdiction where the case is taking place, as well as for advice on how to use the evidence collected by your private investigator most effectively.
If you need to prove you’re living together with someone or you need the evidence of your partner’s infidelity, contact us today so we can give you tips to ensure you have the right evidence in hand.