Better context. Clearer facts.
Investigative Research
Careful research to check the details, connect relevant records and explain what the findings support.
Start with a question worth answering
Make Sense of Information That Does Not Quite Fit
Investigative research helps you examine a person, business or event when the available details leave questions unanswered. A company name may differ between documents. An online claim may conflict with a dated record. You may also need a clearer timeline before deciding what to do next.
Facts Investigations reviews the question and the material you already hold. We then identify suitable sources and compare the findings. The aim is a useful account of what can be supported, what remains uncertain and where further inquiry may help.
Follow the relevant records
Questions Investigative Research Can Address
The sources depend on the subject and the reason for the inquiry. These are examples of questions we can discuss, rather than a promise that every record will be available.
Names & Identity Details
Does a record relate to the person or business you mean? We compare available identifiers and flag uncertain matches. A shared name alone is not enough to connect someone to a finding.
Business Claims & Connections
Do available filings support a stated company role or business relationship? Research can clarify relevant names, dates and documented connections. We check the nature and timing of those connections so you can review them in context.
Public Online Information
Does a website or public post support the claim being made? We examine its source, timing and context. We also consider whether the material refers to an earlier event or a different subject.
Records Behind a Dispute
Which documents may help explain a factual issue? Suitable public records can add context to a brief. Your lawyer can identify the legal questions and advise on the significance of any findings.
Dates & Conflicting Accounts
How do the known events fit together? Comparing dated records can reveal gaps or inconsistent accounts. As a result, you can see which parts of a timeline are documented and which still need checking.
Leads for Further Inquiry
What is the most useful next question? Research may identify a record, business connection or other lead worth examining. We explain its basis before recommending another step.
For a broader business concern, see our corporate investigation services. For a defined person-focused review, explore background investigations or background checks.
Find, compare and explain
Our Approach to Investigative Research
A search result is a starting point. We examine the underlying material and look for independent support where available. This helps keep an untested lead from becoming a firm conclusion.
Select Suitable Sources
First, we consider relevant public records, accessible online material and information you are authorized to provide. The purpose, location and access rules affect which sources are suitable.
Compare the Details
Next, we check names, dates and other identifying details across the available material. Two websites repeating the same story may share one source. We consider that when assessing support for a finding.
Keep the Context
Finally, we record where relevant information came from and when it was reviewed. We distinguish what a source states from what can reasonably be inferred. Conflicts and missing details remain visible in the findings.
We use lawful research methods suited to your question. Before work begins, we explain the sources we propose to check and any authorization needed.
A focused brief and a practical plan
Agree on the Work Before It Begins
A clear brief helps direct time toward the questions that matter. It also gives you a basis for reviewing the proposed cost and deciding whether to proceed.
Define the Question
Explain what you need to establish and why. Include relevant dates, locations and existing documents. We review the starting information and identify what is missing.
Set Priorities & Scope
We discuss the proposed inquiries, expected timing, fees and reporting needs. If a deadline matters, raise it at the outset. Records held elsewhere may take longer to obtain.
Review the Results
We explain the findings and unresolved points. You can then decide whether the available information is sufficient. Any further work should address a clear remaining question.
Know what supports each finding
A Report You Can Follow Back to Its Sources
Investigative research should give you more than a collection of search results. Our reporting organizes the findings around your questions, with sources, dates and the details that matter to your decision.
Follow-Up That Makes Sense
If a search leaves an important question open, we explain whether another source, name variation or document could help. You can then decide whether further work is worthwhile.
Relevant Findings
An organized account of the information gathered within scope, including details that challenge the original concern.
Source & Date Context
References and relevant dates that help explain where the information came from and the period it describes.
Unresolved Questions
Uncertain matches, conflicting material and useful follow-up options, separated from supported findings.
A clear brief. A careful review.
Research With Facts Investigations
Facts Investigations is a licensed Ontario private investigation agency, founded in 2012 and based in Mississauga. We approach each brief with discretion and attention to the facts that matter to your concern.
Our investigative research can stand alone or help define a wider assignment. Learn about our agency and our director.
Questions before you decide
Common Questions About Investigative Research
Learn about suitable requests, useful starting information and what the results can tell you. Select a question to open its answer.
What does investigative research involve?
It involves gathering and comparing relevant information to answer a defined question. Depending on the brief, that may include public records, accessible online sources and documents you lawfully hold. We then bring the findings together in a clear account, with sources and useful context.
How is this different from a background check?
A background check usually addresses specified checks about a person. Research may instead follow a disputed event, a business claim or a particular connection across several sources. We discuss your objective first and suggest the service that best fits it.
Can you research websites and public social media?
Yes, where appropriate to the assignment. We examine relevant material and consider identity, dates and context. We check who the material relates to and compare it with other relevant sources before drawing conclusions.
Does public availability remove privacy restrictions?
Privacy requirements still apply. We assess the purpose of the research and any access or consent requirements before work begins. The Privacy Commissioner’s guidance on publicly available information explains this distinction. We review the circumstances before agreeing to the work.
What should I provide when requesting research?
Start with the question, relevant names and known dates. Also tell us what you have already checked and how you intend to use the findings. Share only material you are authorized to provide. Avoid sending account passwords or unrelated personal records.
How much does investigative research cost?
Research 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 discuss the proposed work and terms after reviewing your brief. A narrow first stage may help assess whether further research is worthwhile. We agree on the scope and explain any records fees before starting.
Can my lawyer use the findings?
We can discuss the factual questions and reporting requirements with your lawyer where authorized. They can advise on relevance, disclosure and any further evidence needed. Your lawyer can assess how the findings fit the case and any court requirements.
How thorough is the research?
We select sources around the question you need answered and cross-check relevant details where possible. Coverage depends on the records available and the agreed scope. The report explains what was checked and any worthwhile follow-up, so you can put the findings to use.
Learn more about our agency
Take a Look at Our Brochure
Get to know about us, the services we offer, and the areas we serve.
Which Detail Needs a Closer Look?
Tell us the question behind your request. We can discuss whether investigative research could help and what a focused first stage would involve.
Call +1 (416) 655-3106