Adoption 101: The Legal Fundamentals

Being Tailed By A Private Investigator? Here's How To Get Away

17 August 2016

Brayden Miles

If you're going through a contentious divorce, it's possible that your soon-to-be-former spouse might hire a private investigator to follow you and observe your daily habits — especially if you've been accused of some inappropriate behavior during the marriage. If you have nothing to hide but don't want someone watching you, there are several ways that you can try to give the PI the slip. Remember, this person is a professional who is doing his or her job, so it's important to avoid confronting the private investigator if you catch him or her watching you. When you're in your vehicle, here are some tips for avoiding this surveillance.

Change Up Any Predictable Routines

A private investigator will have no trouble spotting you on the street if you have a normal routine throughout the workweek. For example, you leave the house at 7:25 a.m. sharp and take the same route to work. The PI may not park in front of your house, but may watch for you from a block or two away. You can try giving him or her the slip by switching this routine. Leave for work earlier than usual and find a different route to drive, for example.

Drive One Direction, And Then Double Back

An effective way to beat a tail is to double back frequently during your route. To do so, drive down the street and then suddenly make a U-turn where doing so is legal and safe. Travel in the other direction for a moment and keep your eyes on your mirrors; if you see another vehicle make a U-turn behind you, it could be a private investigator. Note the make and model of the vehicle, and then travel a bit farther. When you reach another ideal U-turn point, turn around again. Many private investigators won't risk exposure by turning to follow you again, and you'll ideally be able to evade the driver.

Pull Over And Stop

Another suitable way to detect a tail is to abruptly pull your vehicle to the side of the road and stop. If a PI is just a few cars behind you, he or she may not be able to pull over and stop behind you in time. Assuming that the investigator will go around the block and then approach you from the rear and stop, you can then try an evasive maneuver, such as ducking into a subdivision and sitting out of site for a few minutes before you continue on your route.

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About Me

If you've decided that you want to adopt a child, the first thing you should do is reach out to a family law attorney. While it may not seem logical to get an attorney involved from the start, it's important that you protect yourself legally from the beginning. After making the decision to adopt, I have been through the process several times. I created this site to help other adoptive parents understand what they can expect from the entire process, including the legal support you're likely to need. I hope this information helps you feel more confident in this major life decision.