When your child’s safety and well-being are at stake, you need facts—not assumptions. If you’re involved in a custody dispute in Houston and have concerns about the other parent’s behavior, you’re likely wondering what evidence Texas courts will accept and how a private investigator can help. Understanding child custody investigations in Houston and what’s legally permissible can make the difference between winning and losing your case.
After 17 years conducting child custody investigations in Houston, Dallas, and Austin, I’ve helped countless parents gather court-admissible evidence that protects their children. Let me walk you through what Texas courts allow, what investigators can legally document, and how to build a strong custody case.
child custody investigations in Houston Protecting your child’s best interests with professional child custody investigations in Houston.
Understanding Texas Child Custody Laws
Before diving into investigations, it’s important to understand how Texas handles custody. Texas doesn’t use the term “custody”—instead, the law refers to conservatorship and possession and access.
Key Texas Custody Terms:
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Conservatorship: Legal rights and responsibilities for making decisions about the child
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Joint Managing Conservatorship (JMC): Both parents share decision-making (most common)
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Sole Managing Conservatorship (SMC): One parent has exclusive decision-making rights
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Possessory Conservatorship: Visitation rights for the non-custodial parent
According to the Texas Family Code, courts presume that joint managing conservatorship is in the child’s best interest unless there’s evidence of family violence, abuse, or neglect.
What Texas Courts Consider in Custody Cases
Texas courts make custody decisions based on the best interest of the child. Judges evaluate multiple factors, including:
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Physical and emotional needs of the child
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Stability of each parent’s home environment
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Parenting abilities and willingness to encourage the child’s relationship with the other parent
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History of family violence, abuse, or neglect
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Substance abuse issues
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Mental health concerns
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Child’s preferences (if age 12 or older)
This is where child custody investigations in Houston become critical. Professional investigators gather documented evidence that speaks directly to these factors.
What Private Investigators Can Legally Do in Texas Custody Cases
Licensed private investigators in Texas operate within strict legal boundaries. Here’s what we can—and cannot—do during child custody investigations in Houston:
✅ What’s Legal and Court-Admissible:
1. Surveillance in Public Spaces
We can conduct surveillance and document activities that occur in public view, including:
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Documenting unsafe driving with children in the vehicle
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Recording visits to bars, clubs, or inappropriate locations with children present
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Observing neglectful behavior in public (leaving children unattended, etc.)
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Monitoring who the parent associates with around the children
2. Background Checks
Comprehensive background checks can reveal:
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Criminal history (arrests, convictions, warrants)
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Sex offender registry status
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Previous child protective services (CPS) involvement
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Employment verification and financial stability
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Driving records and DUI history
3. Social Media Monitoring
We can document publicly available social media content showing:
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Drug or alcohol use
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Inappropriate behavior or language
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Evidence of lying to the court
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Dangerous activities or associations
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Posts contradicting sworn testimony
4. Witness Interviews
We can interview neighbors, teachers, daycare providers, and others who have observed parenting behavior.
5. Activity Documentation
We create detailed, timestamped reports with photo and video evidence that holds up in court.
❌ What’s Illegal:
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Trespassing on private property
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Recording private conversations without consent (Texas is a one-party consent state)
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GPS tracking without vehicle ownership or consent
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Hacking social media accounts or devices
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Child interviews without court permission or parental consent
Common Concerns That Warrant Child Custody Investigations in Houston
Parents typically hire investigators when they have legitimate concerns about:
1. Substance Abuse
Documenting drug or alcohol use that endangers the child, including:
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Frequent visits to bars or known drug locations
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Impaired driving with children
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Drug paraphernalia or evidence of use
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Neglecting children due to substance abuse
2. Neglect or Unsafe Living Conditions
Evidence of:
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Leaving children unsupervised for extended periods
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Unsafe or unsanitary home environment
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Failure to provide adequate food, clothing, or medical care
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Exposing children to dangerous situations
3. Inappropriate Relationships or Associations
Concerns about:
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New partners with criminal backgrounds
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Exposing children to domestic violence
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Allowing registered sex offenders around children
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Inappropriate sexual behavior in front of children
4. Parental Alienation
Documenting attempts to:
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Turn the child against the other parent
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Interfere with court-ordered visitation
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Make false allegations of abuse
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Violate custody orders
5. Violation of Court Orders
Evidence of:
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Failing to follow possession schedules
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Refusing to allow visitation
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Moving out of jurisdiction without permission
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Violating no-contact or protective orders
In our 17 years conducting child custody investigations in Houston, these concerns represent the majority of cases we handle. Texas courts take these issues seriously, and documented evidence from a licensed investigator carries significant weight.
How Child Custody Investigations Work in Houston
When you hire Terrance Private Investigator & Associates for child custody investigations, here’s what to expect:
Step 1: Initial Consultation
We discuss your concerns, review existing court orders, and determine what evidence would be most beneficial for your case.
Step 2: Investigation Plan
We create a customized surveillance and documentation strategy based on:
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Your specific concerns
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The other parent’s schedule and routines
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Texas legal requirements
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Your attorney’s recommendations
Step 3: Evidence Gathering
Our licensed investigators use proven surveillance tactics and cutting-edge technology to document:
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Daily activities and routines
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Parenting behavior during possession time
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Living conditions and environment
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Associations and relationships
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Any behavior relevant to the child’s best interest
Step 4: Comprehensive Reporting
We provide detailed, court-ready reports including:
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Timestamped activity logs
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Photo and video evidence
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Witness statements
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Background check results
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Professional analysis and observations
Step 5: Court Testimony
If needed, our investigators can testify as expert witnesses to present findings in court.
What Makes Evidence Court-Admissible in Texas?
For evidence from child custody investigations in Houston to be accepted by Texas courts, it must be:
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Legally obtained – No violations of privacy or trespassing laws
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Relevant – Directly related to the child’s best interest
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Authenticated – Properly documented with dates, times, and locations
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Reliable – Gathered by licensed professionals using proven methods
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Unbiased – Objective documentation without manipulation
Our investigators are trained to ensure all evidence meets these standards, making it defensible in court.
Recent Changes to Texas Custody Laws (2025)
Texas has implemented several updates to family law that affect child custody investigations in Houston:
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Expanded possession schedules for non-custodial parents
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“Three strikes” visitation law for repeated violations of custody orders
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Increased child support caps reflecting economic changes
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Enhanced protections for children in domestic violence situations
These changes underscore the importance of documented evidence when seeking to modify custody arrangements.
Why Houston Parents Choose Terrance PI & Associates
Operating since 2012, we’ve built our reputation on truth, integrity, confidentiality, and accountability. We’ve conducted countless child custody investigations in Houston and across Texas, providing evidence that has helped protect children and secure favorable custody outcomes.
What Sets Us Apart:
✅ 17 years of investigative experience in Texas family law cases✅ Licensed investigators who understand Texas legal requirements✅ Court-ready evidence that meets admissibility standards✅ Discreet operations that won’t alert the other party✅ Fast turnaround when time-sensitive evidence is needed✅ Clear communication throughout the investigation process
We serve Houston, Dallas, Austin, Galveston, Katy, San Antonio, The Woodlands, and Sugar Land with fast, reliable, and professional investigative services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody Investigations in Houston
Q: How much does a child custody investigation cost in Houston?A: Costs vary based on the scope and duration of the investigation. Contact us at 832-404-3400 for a free consultation and customized quote.
Q: How long does a child custody investigation take?A: Most child custody investigations in Houston take 2-4 weeks, but urgent cases can be expedited. The timeline depends on what evidence is needed and the other parent’s schedule.
Q: Will the other parent know they’re being investigated?A: Our investigators use discreet surveillance methods to avoid detection. Professional investigations are conducted without alerting the subject.
Q: Can I use evidence from a private investigator in my custody case?A: Yes. Evidence from licensed private investigators is admissible in Texas courts when properly obtained and documented. Many family law attorneys recommend hiring investigators for contested custody cases.
Q: What if I can’t afford a private investigator?A: Consider that the cost of an investigation is often far less than the long-term consequences of losing custody. We offer flexible payment options and can work with your attorney to prioritize the most critical evidence.
Q: Can investigators talk to my child?A: No. Investigators cannot interview children without court permission or consent from both parents. We gather evidence through surveillance, background checks, and adult witness interviews.
Working With Your Family Law Attorney
Child custody investigations in Houston are most effective when coordinated with your attorney. We regularly work with family law firms throughout Texas to:
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Identify what evidence will be most persuasive to the judge
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Ensure all evidence meets legal admissibility standards
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Provide expert testimony when needed
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Coordinate investigation timing with court deadlines
If you don’t have an attorney yet, we can provide referrals to experienced family law professionals in Houston.
Protecting Your Child’s Best Interest
When it comes to your child’s safety and well-being, you can’t afford to rely on assumptions or hearsay. Texas courts make decisions based on documented evidence, and professional investigations provide the facts you need to build a compelling case.
If you have concerns about the other parent’s behavior, substance abuse, neglect, or violations of court orders, don’t wait. The sooner you gather evidence, the sooner you can take action to protect your child.
Get the Evidence You Need
Whether you’re preparing for an initial custody hearing, seeking to modify an existing order, or responding to false allegations, professional investigation services can make all the difference.
Contact Terrance Private Investigator & Associates today:
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Phone: 832-404-3400
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Email: getanswers@terrancepi.com
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Website: austin.piterrance.com
We provide fast, discreet, and reliable child custody investigations with court-admissible evidence that protects your child’s best interest. Our licensed investigators understand Texas family law and deliver the documentation you need to win your case.
Get Answers. Protect Your Child. Secure Your Future.
