Civil matters. Clear findings.
Civil Investigations
Discreet civil investigations to clarify disputed facts, gather relevant information and help you and your legal adviser assess the next step.
A clearer account of the circumstances
Put the Relevant Facts in Order
Civil investigations can help when accounts differ, information is missing or a dispute raises questions that need further inquiry. A useful starting point is to identify what you know, what remains uncertain and why it matters.
At Facts Investigations, we discuss those questions with you before proposing any work. The aim is to gather relevant information and explain what it shows. From there, you and your legal adviser can consider the findings alongside the rest of your file.
The concern behind the inquiry
Civil Investigations for Claims and Personal Matters
Each assignment starts with its own purpose. The following areas reflect the civil investigations we can discuss with you, subject to the scope and circumstances of the case.
Personal Injury & Accident Claims
An injury claim or disputed incident may leave gaps in the available account. We can help examine relevant circumstances through agreed inquiries, witness information or surveillance, where appropriate.
Workers’ Compensation Matters
Questions about a workers’ compensation claim may require further factual review. We discuss the issues to be examined and the information that would help clarify them. Our WSIB fraud service provides related support.
Divorce & Family Disputes
Separation, divorce or child custody concerns can involve disputed information about conduct or circumstances. We assess the requested work carefully and discuss how it relates to the questions you and your legal adviser need answered.
Pre-Marital Background Concerns
Before a major personal commitment, you may want to clarify information about someone’s background. We discuss the specific concern, the purpose of the inquiry and which checks may be appropriate.
Marital Abuse & Domestic Concerns
Concerns involving marital abuse or domestic violence call for particular care. We discuss whether investigative support is appropriate for the circumstances, with attention to the safety, sensitivity and purpose of the proposed work.
Due Diligence & Asset Questions
A personal or business matter may require a closer look at background information or assets. We can discuss relevant checks and asset-location work, based on the questions you need answered and the information already available.
Work shaped around the missing information
Methods We May Use in Civil Investigations
A case may need one focused inquiry or several complementary methods. We discuss the proposed work first, so you understand the approach, likely costs and what to expect.
Finding Relevant Witnesses
We review the leads you can provide about someone who may have seen an incident or hold relevant information. Then we assess suitable ways to locate and contact that person.
Interviews & Statement Gathering
A witness account may help explain an event or identify another line of inquiry. We can gather statements and document the information provided as part of the agreed work.
Surveillance & Observations
Where suitable, surveillance can document activity relevant to a civil matter. We consider the location, objectives and available information before discussing an observation plan with you.
Background Inquiries
Relevant background checks can help examine information connected to the parties or circumstances of a dispute. The purpose of the case guides which inquiries we propose and what records we can seek.
Locating & Investigating Assets
Asset inquiries may help clarify property or other holdings relevant to a matter. We discuss the identifiers, locations and types of records involved before agreeing on the search.
Forensic Investigation Requirements
Some files raise questions that require specialist examination of records or material. We review the requirement with you and discuss whether the proposed forensic work falls within the assignment we can accept.
From your first question to our findings
Set a Clear Purpose for the Assignment
Civil investigations are most useful when the work addresses specific questions. We establish the scope with you and discuss any practical constraints before proceeding.
Review the Background
First, tell us what happened, what information you hold and what needs clarification. We also discuss locations, relevant dates and any instructions from your legal adviser.
Agree on the Work
Next, we discuss the proposed methods, priorities, reporting needs and budget. Once the assignment is agreed, we carry out the inquiries and document relevant findings.
Review What Was Established
Finally, we present the findings with the supporting details and context relevant to your questions. You can then review the findings and discuss further questions with your adviser.
A record you can work through
Findings With the Context Your File Needs
Reporting should make the work understandable. For civil investigations, we discuss how the findings and supporting material will be presented as part of the assignment.
Investigation and Legal Advice
Our role is to gather and explain information. Your lawyer can advise on its relevance to the legal issues, how it may be used and the options available to you.
The Work Completed
A written account of the inquiries, relevant observations and information obtained during the assignment.
Material Supporting the Findings
Statements, relevant records, photographs or video gathered within the scope of the work, where available.
Context and Next Steps
A clear account of any outstanding questions and the further inquiries that could help.
Care with sensitive circumstances
Discuss Your Civil Matter With Our Team
Facts Investigations is a licensed Ontario private investigation agency, founded in 2012 and based in Mississauga. We approach personal concerns and legal assignments with discretion and attention to the facts.
We listen to the background before recommending investigative work. That conversation helps identify a useful purpose for the assignment and gives you a chance to ask questions about the approach.
Read about our agency and our director.
Before you arrange an investigation
Civil Investigations: Common Questions
What are civil investigations used for?
Civil investigations help clarify facts relevant to a dispute, claim or personal matter. Depending on the assignment, the work may involve finding a witness, taking statements, checking background information or observing relevant activity.
Can I enquire before a court case has started?
Yes. You can discuss a concern before proceedings begin, as well as during an existing matter. Explain what you need to establish and any deadlines. We can then assess whether an investigation is suitable.
Can you work with my lawyer?
Yes. With your instructions, we can discuss the investigative questions and reporting needs with your lawyer. This helps keep the assignment relevant to the issues they are reviewing.
Can you help locate someone who witnessed an incident?
We can assess a witness-location assignment using the information you already have. For example, a name, previous contact details, location or connection to the incident may help identify useful lines of inquiry. We review those details and explain the best starting point for the search.
How do you estimate the cost and timing?
Rates typically range from $75-$150+ per hour, depending on the scope and complexity, plus any applicable expenses needed to carry out the assignment. We then discuss the proposed scope and budget. Let us know about upcoming meetings or court dates at the outset.
Can the findings help with a court matter?
The material gathered may assist your lawyer in reviewing the facts. A clear factual record can help them assess the issues and prepare the next steps. Discuss with your lawyer how the information may be used in your case.
How will you explain the findings?
We explain the relevant facts, sources and observations in a clear report. You can review the results with your adviser and ask about any further inquiries that might help.
What should I have ready for the first conversation?
Prepare a brief timeline, the main questions you need answered and the locations involved. Also note any relevant records, potential witnesses and deadlines. If a lawyer is involved, tell us how you would like communication coordinated.
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Take a Look at Our Brochure
Get to know about us, the services we offer, and the areas we serve.
Which Facts Do You Need to Clarify?
Tell us about the matter and the questions behind it. We can discuss whether civil investigations are a suitable next step and what an assignment could involve.
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