Going years without seeing an estranged relative can have a profound effect on your emotional health. Over time you may find that you have questions that need answering, or maybe just a void filling that has been left through the estrangement of a loved one. A private investigators training, skill and knowledge could be just what you’re looking for in order to track them down and rekindle past family bonds.
Understanding the Motivations Behind Family Tracing
No matter the reason, the private investigator should understand that these cases can be particularly sensitive. The skill and knowledge of the private investigator will help you through the process in a dignified and discrete fashion.
There are many reasons why you may wish to track down a family member. From wanting to learn more about your family history to searching for biological family if you were adopted as a child. Or searching for an estranged member of the family that has been outcast for years. Whatever the reason, reuniting with long lost family can bring a whole host of emotions, good and bad. The job of the private investigator is to help guide you through that process and make the whole experience as simple and stress free as possible.
Techniques for Tracing Family Members
We have various ways of approaching the task of tracing missing or long lost family members. Our range of techniques at Dolos includes:
Desktop Trace
A private investigator can gather vital information by focusing on both public, and private records held for a certain individual. Some of which cannot be accessed by the public. Casting their expert eye over these records, spending hour upon hour searching for clues within them, they are able to piece together parts of the puzzle bit by bit. Until they have a clearer understanding of the situation.
Records such as marriage or birth certificates, social media profiles and data regarding to ownership of property can all be used by a private investigator in order to aid their investigation and help to find you the answers that you have been searching for.
Enhanced trace
Should a desktop trace not be sufficient, which often can be the case when a particular case is of a more complex nature. There is no need to panic! Our private investigators can use the information gathered within the desktop trace to form the starting blocks of a more detailed investigation. Our investigators can go out into the field, conduct interviews and make enquiries with potential persons of interest. People that may have gone to school with your long lost loved one, former partners, work colleague’s, ex neighbours etc.
These interviews and enquiries will be held in a discrete manner and can lead to very valuable information being uncovered about your loved one and their whereabouts.
Surveillance and Tracking
From time to time, when necessary, private investigators may make use of surveillance techniques that they have at their disposal. For example; If an individual has deliberately made themselves difficult to find, gone off grid so to speak. Surveillance and tracking could well be the best and most useful tool at the disposal of the private investigator in this situation.
However, depending on the type of trace, to protect a person’s Right to Privacy, it may be that we speak to the subject first and request their permission for contact. Always contact a reputable private investigator if you’re unsure which tracing method you require.
The Benefits of Hiring a Private Investigator
Choosing to work with a private investigator to trace missing family members can offer numerous advantages:
Overcoming Barriers
Time and time again genealogical research will hit a brick wall. At a vital moment you will find that the trail has run cold, or an important piece of information has been lost through a missing record. It’s not an easy process and there are many obstacles and pitfalls along the journey. Private investigators are all too aware of these obstacles and pitfalls, through experience and skill they have managed to find creative ways to bypass these in order to get to the truth and find the information that you so dearly crave.
Locating Missing Relatives
Should a family member have disappeared seemingly without a trace, maybe they have changed their name or their location. A private investigate has the tools and expertise at their disposal to track the individual down.
Discretion and Sensitivity
A private investigator will understand the emotional complexities of trying to track down a family member. Some cases will inevitably be more complicated and more sensitive. However, a good private investigator will treat each and every case with absolute compassion and respect for your wellbeing and privacy. Discretion and sensitivity are a must.
Choosing the Right Private Investigator for You
When selecting a private investigator to assist with your family tracing endeavours, it is essential to consider several key factors:
Expertise and Experience
The chances of a positive outcome in your search will be far greater if you find yourself a reputable private investigator. Someone with a proven track record within the field of family tracing and genealogical research. Their experience, skill and knowledge of the field are a massive advantage when it comes to avoiding the trap doors and knowing where to look, why, when and how. Their knowledge of the most up to date techniques will offer a far higher likelihood of arriving at the outcome that you desire.
Reputation and Credentials
Don’t rush into any decisions. Do a little digging of your own before deciding on which private investigation firm you are going to go with. Make sure you are dealing with serious professionals. Look out for positive reviews and professional affiliations that attest to their credibility. A reputable private investigation firm should have a strong online presence. Always make sure to research and ensure that they operate within the boundaries of the law!
Personalised Approach
As stated previously, every case is different. Reasons behind cases will be different, some cases more complex, some more emotional and the outcome of each individual case will vary in its own way. A private investigator will show discretion and compassion in equal measure to all. However, the most effective private investigators will realise that, as each case is different, and es every individual is different, it is important to adjust their behaviours within the investigation to suit the individual. Communication, open dialog about your unique concerns and reasonings will help create a strategy of moving forwards that works for you and your individual needs.
Conclusion
Whatever the reason behind your decision, whatever the end goal, re connecting with a long lost loved one is not an easy process to navigate. The skill set and knowledge of a private investigator could be the difference between a positive outcome or a negative one. By using their experience and the tools at their disposal, they can bypass certain pitfalls and obstacles along the way. Thus, increasing the chances of a positive outcome.
So, whether you are searching for a missing relative or wish to simply know more about your family history, a skilled private investigator can help you find the answers that you’re looking for.
If you have any questions about our people tracing services, and whether they can help you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Dolos. We’d be happy to discuss your circumstances and provide you with expert advice from our experienced team!
