Detective Investigations in Child Custody Cases

In matters of child custody, the parties involved often ask: is my child well cared for by the other parent? If you have doubts about the ability of your ex-partner to look after your shared child, or if, for example, you are a grandparent concerned about the welfare of your grandchild, the skilled investigators of our Zürich private detective agency conduct research for you throughout Switzerland: +41 44 5522 264.

Unfortunately, the Child’s Welfare Is Not Always the Priority for Custodial Parents

Since July 2014, joint custody has generally been granted in Switzerland when parents separate. Prior to this, it was only possible at the request of both parents. However, joint custody does not always work in practice. When parents are in conflict, unable to agree, and mutual aversion reaches a level that endangers the child’s welfare, only one parent – usually the mother – is designated as the custodial parent. Whether this judicial decision always serves the child’s best interests is sometimes questionable, as the custodial parent may prove unsuitable for child care; the same applies in cases of shared custody.

Being a single parent is challenging: balancing childcare and work often presents significant difficulties. While trying to meet everyone’s needs, one’s own life may be neglected. Most custodial parents manage this balancing act without losing control, but unfortunately, there are those who show little consideration for their children and live as if they were single adults. Our private detectives in Switzerland know from many cases that in such situations the child’s welfare is often compromised. If you suspect your ex-partner is not responsibly caring for the children, we can help you provide legally admissible proof of neglect: kontakt@kurtz-detektei-schweiz.ch.

Visitation Rights and Associated Responsibilities | Child Recovery in Cases of Abduction

In 2023, 37,763 marriages were registered in Switzerland and around 16,000 divorces occurred. This corresponds to a divorce rate of 40 percent, with the children of these couples often the main victims. Even with joint custody, children frequently grow up with one parent while the other only has visitation rights. But do both parties comply with joint custody, or does one party make decisions independently, without consulting the ex-partner? Those with authority over the child’s residence often exploit this, leaving the ex-partner uninformed about important matters such as relocation, school changes, or international travel.

Likewise, parents with only visitation rights may take the child or children on unauthorised trips or even withhold them completely from the other parent. Accordingly, our Zürich detective agency is occasionally commissioned to locate the ex-partner and children who have disappeared without informing or obtaining consent from the other parent. Our professional Swiss private detectives assist in locating your children and holding the ex-partner accountable regarding future custody arrangements. We operate not only within Switzerland but also internationally through a network of qualified partner detective agencies. Contact us via our form or by phone if required.

Alcohol and Drugs | Child Abuse | Neglect

In some cases, one parent proves incapable of caring for a child, for example due to excessive alcohol consumption, drug addiction, violent behaviour, or association with individuals displaying such behaviours. These circumstances can constitute child abuse, including neglect (e.g., inadequate hygiene, insufficient provision of food, or failure to provide medical care when the child is ill).

In 2023, Switzerland recorded 2,097 cases of child abuse, of which 28 percent were neglect and 31.8 percent psychological abuse. In more than 2,000 of these cases, 77.6 percent of offenders were from the child’s own family. If you suspect that your former partner is not responsibly caring for your children or is mistreating them in any way, do not hesitate. Our trained private detectives from Zürich and across Switzerland provide clarity. We observe the ex-partner during child care and, if the suspicion is confirmed, provide legally admissible evidence. Call us at +41 44 5522 264, or send an email to kontakt@kurtz-detektei-schweiz.ch.