Maryland Child Custody Investigation Checklist

Natalie Kinsale
Jul 10
3 min read

By Legal Eye Investigations, LLC | Serving All of Maryland

When emotions run high and the safety or well-being of your child is on the line, the truth matters more than ever. At Legal Eye Investigations, we’ve helped countless parents, guardians, and attorneys across Maryland, from Baltimore to Bowie, Waldorf to Frederick, gather legally admissible, court-ready evidence during child custody disputes.

Whether you're in the early stages of a custody battle or preparing for court, this checklist will help you understand what to look for, what to document, and how an experienced private investigator can support your case.

Step 1: Define the Concerns Clearly

Before initiating an investigation, be clear on what behavior or patterns you’re concerned about.

Is the child being left unsupervised or with questionable individuals?
Are there concerns about drug or alcohol use around the child?
Is the other parent cohabiting with someone unknown to the court?
Are there signs of emotional or physical neglect?
Is there evidence of court order violations (visitation, custody schedules)?
Are they interfering with phone calls, exchanges, or visitation?

Step 2: Gather What You Already Know

Every custody investigation starts with facts. Organize any current evidence or observations:

Known addresses (home, work, daycare)
Vehicle information (make/model/license plate)
Social media profiles or online behavior
Photos, screenshots, or videos
Text messages or call logs
School or daycare records (attendance, conduct, safety concerns)
Names of individuals regularly around the child

Step 3: Determine the Right Type of Investigation

Legal Eye Investigations offers a range of services tailored to family law cases:

Surveillance: Document parenting behavior, lifestyle, routines, and handoff exchanges
Social Media Investigation: Analyze posts, tagged locations, photos, and interactions
Background Checks: On new partners or anyone frequently around the child
Wellness Checks: Discreet visits to observe a child’s living environment
Witness Interviews: Locate and speak with neighbors, teachers, or relatives (when permitted)

Step 4: Know What a PI Can and Can’t Do in Maryland

It’s critical to remain on the right side of the law. In Maryland, a licensed private investigator:

Can:

Conduct surveillance in public spaces
Gather visual evidence from legal vantage points
Run public record background checks
Document parenting behavior, curfew violations, neglect, etc.

Cannot:

Enter private property without permission
Record audio in private without all-party consent (MD is a two-party consent state)
Hack into social media accounts or private emails
Violate restraining orders or protective boundaries

Step 5: Choose an Investigator Who Understands Family Law

At Legal Eye Investigations, we understand the emotional weight behind custody cases. We work hand-in-hand with attorneys and parents to ensure our findings are accurate, timely, and legally admissible.

Our team serves all of Maryland, including:

Montgomery County – Rockville, Silver Spring, Bethesda
Prince George’s County – Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Largo
Charles County – Waldorf, La Plata
Anne Arundel County – Annapolis, Glen Burnie
Baltimore City & County
Frederick, Howard, and Calvert Counties

When the well-being of your child is on the line, half-truths and assumptions won’t hold up in court. We gather facts. We protect families. We uncover the truth.