Reply from North American InvestigationsJun 3, 2020
Tellie,
I am sorry to hear how you feel although I really believe there was a miscommunication. I take detailed notes when I have a consultation with a potential client and would like to respond to your review in an effort to clear up any misunderstandings. I certainly do not want you nor any potential client to be upset with their experience with us.
The other day, you and I had a 4 1/2 minute conversation in which you stated that you have an upcoming custody case in court. You further explained you had full custody of your child for the past 6 years and the father has not seen or been in the child's life since the child was born in the hospital.
I stated that although the father has not been in the child's life all this time the court will still hear him out, regardless of that fact and it "may be possible" he is awarded some custody right or visitation.
You told me he is trying to gain "sole custody" of the child. My advice was to to fight it and try to go to court armed with evidence that may help you. I asked some follow up questions but you did not know anything about him.
I explained about our services and what I though may be beneficial to your case. I said since you don't know him we should identify him, conduct a background check and conduct surveillance in an effort to uncover any reasons or negative behaviors that may exist why he would not be fit as a parent. I stated if you go to court without evidence it is possible he may get some partial custody or visitation. You should go to court armed with as much evidence "if it exists" to help your case.
You stated "If I don't know anything about him how does the court know anything about him?". I explained that unfortunately, you are not the only person in the court system that has this type of scenario.
You kept saying that he is a parent that has not been around or in the child's life, I agreed that this may not work in his favor however you just do not know how the court will make it's decision. I additionally explained that this is not the first time I have heard this scenario and many unforeseen things can happen in court. Moreover, I explained that courts "in general" believe that a child's both parents have right to their children, "unless there is a reason otherwise".
You then stated he is "legally gave up his rights" and I retorted that "this may be a legal issue". I immediately asked "did you hire a lawyer?" you replied "I don't have the pockets for that" I replied, then you are not going to have a budget for an investigation and you hung up the phone on me. For some reason this upset you but I was not able to finish my statement, which was any money would be best used for a lawyer for your situation. I was in no way trying to upset you, so that is where I believe the misunderstanding was. This was the exact opposite of what you think, I thought a lawyer would be better suited for you than an investigator from what you explained.
During the entire conversation, I not once asked you for any money, discussed any actual fees nor tried to sell you anything. In fact, if I was not hung-up on my advice would have been NOT to hire us, but to get an attorney to represent you, so I am unsure why you felt any sales pressure.
I am sorry that you are going through a scary process involving your child, but I was trying to help you with the best advice I could give you. Not once in the call was I discourteous or even discussed a sale. I hope you reconsider the review. Either way, I wish you the best and hope your court case decision is in your favor.
Best,
Darrin