Tips for hiring an investigator

1. Is your investigator licensed?
The Florida Department of Agriculture Division of Licensing regulates and issues investigator licenses. Their website: http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/index.html allows you to check on the status of any investigator’s or agency’s license.

2. High priced attorneys not always the best.
Investigator fees vary significantly. In general, the fee that an investigator charges tends to increase with experience, although this is not always the case. Some expensive investigators are less effective and merely charge more to pay for an expensive office. In the end, you are the ultimate judge of value, so be sure to consider not only at price, but also the specific details of your case, and how well you believe you can work with your investigator.

3. Experience matters.
Determine whether or not the investigator has the necessary skills and experience to do an effective job. There is no point in having unqualified personnel handling a case on your behalf, no matter how cheaply they offer to take the assignment. Do not part with your hard earned cash until you are absolutely sure that they are up to the task in hand. Ask questions to establish the backgrounds of the investigator who will be handling your case. Most top investigators come from law enforcement, intelligence or military backgrounds. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof.

4. Never hire an investigator you don't trust.
Every now and then, we all meet someone that we just don’t trust, even if we can't explain why. Don't hire that person as your investigator. Most often your own impressions about a person are correct and you would be foolish not to trust those instincts. The investigator-client relationship is dependent on mutual trust. If you do not trust your investigator, you cannot effectively work with him or her.

5. Communication is key.
Know your expectations about your case, and communicate them to your prospective investigator. The foundation of any good working relationship is good communication. If you have a specific objective you wish to achieve, make sure you tell the investigator. Your goals may be unique to you, and may not be obvious. A good investigator will take the time to listen to you to know what you hope to accomplish, and will advise you on whether and how these goals can be met. If you do not yet know your expectations, a good investigator can help you develop them. Discussing your objectives at the beginning can prevent you from being disappointed at the end.

6. Additional costs along the way.
While investigator fees will likely be the largest expense in a case, there may be other substantial expenses. Your case may have a number of expenses that you will want to discuss with your investigator.

7. Get a signed fee agreement.
No matter how simple the case, or how low you anticipate the fee to be, insist on getting a fee agreement and be sure to read it completely before signing it. By putting this agreement in writing, it is clear what responsibilities you and your investigator have, how much you have agreed to pay, and for what services you are paying. If you have any questions about a fee agreement, ask for clarification or take the agreement to an attorney for review before you sign it.

8. Don't hire an investigator who pretends to be perfect.
The fact is, investigators are human. Look for an investigator who is realistic in his or her personal assessment and the assessment of your case. Any investigator should be willing to acknowledge that your case will require research if it presents an unusual situation or one that is new to that investigator. A good investigator should also be willing to say "no" to a case that is beyond his or her skills. Avoid an investigator that paints too rosy a picture of your case, appears too anxious to sign you on as a client, or appears to have difficulty acknowledging his or her mistakes. An investigator that is afraid to admit and correct a minor mistake early on is the investigator that will let that mistake become a major problem later.

9. Be Prepared!
Come prepared for your first interview with a brief summary of your immediate case (include dates and facts) as well as a list of general questions for the investigator. Your purpose of the interview is to decide if the investigator has the right experience to take your case; to decide if you are comfortable with the fee arrangement; and, most importantly, to decide if you are comfortable working with the investigator.