Cost & Fees to Hire an Investigator

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Cost to Hire an InvestigatorThe most common question about our services is, “How much does an investigation cost?” And that’s a good question! While it is often difficult to estimate the exact cost, we do our very best to explain potential fees and keep them to a minimum.

Case-Closed fees, whether billed hourly or as a retainer, are ultimately determined by the number of working hours necessary to conclude the case. This is calculated by the number of hours spent on the case times the billing rate of the various Case-Closed staff doing the work. With the experience we’ve gained from thousands of cases we can usually offer some cost guidelines on what the cost might be. However, every case is different and it is extremely difficult to anticipate how it will unfold.

For example, let’s say you hire us to perform surveillance.  We put an investigator outside the subject’s home at 8am, but he doesn’t leave the house until noon. That’s several additional hours of unanticipated time spent on surveillance. Or consider a routine background investigation: a subject with few public records will take far less time than than someone with arrest records in several states.

That said, we always work with our clients to provide accurate estimates and develop the most cost-efficient investigative strategies. We are also sensitive to clients facing economic hardship and those who hire us on a regular basis.

 

Reduce Your Costs

There are simple things you can do to minimize fees if you’re willing and able to help.

  • Provide us with detailed information before we start. Getting all relevant details about the case in writing, before the investigations begins, will save you money from beginning to end. And it may help solve your case faster, too!

  • Gather all documents, photos, and clues up front. Be prepared for your initial consultation with any materials that are relevant to the case: contracts, bank statements, emails, photos, and anything else you believe will be of value.

  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Questions are good! They may give us new insights into the investigation and also prevent misunderstandings from turning into unnecessary costs.

  • Don’t be afraid to answer questions, too. In the course of our investigation we will probably have questions for you. Timely, thorough responses will keep your investigation moving and help reduce fees.

  • Let us know if you have a budget. Some investigative techniques are more expensive than others. By understanding your budget we can plan the investigation to fit your parameters. We’ll do everything in our power to meet your goals without exceeding your budget.

Careful planning, organization, and plenty of communication can accomplish what you need at a fraction of the cost. Call us today for a free initial consultation. We’re here to help!

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