When a non-custodial parent evades their legal and moral duty to provide financial support for their child, it creates stress and instability for the custodial parent and child alike. In West Palm Beach, Florida, one pressing question parents often ask is: “Can I hire a private investigator to find someone for child support?” The answer is yes—under specific legal conditions, hiring a private investigator (PI) can be a crucial step in locating an absentee parent and initiating child support enforcement.

With Ali Private Investigator Tampa, let’s explore how private investigators assist in child support cases, the legal boundaries in Florida, the cost-benefit considerations, and how this applies locally in Palm Beach County. We’ll also cover related legal entities, support enforcement agencies, and provide LSI keyword coverage to ensure comprehensive insight.
The Legal Right to Hire a Private Investigator in Florida
Yes, in Florida, including West Palm Beach, you are legally allowed to hire a private investigator to locate someone who owes unpaid child support. While law enforcement or the Florida Department of Revenue’s Child Support Enforcement Program (CSE) can assist, these agencies are often bogged down with cases, leading to delays.
Hiring a licensed private investigator in Florida—one with experience in domestic and family law matters—offers a more proactive and targeted approach. Under Florida law (F.S. § 493), private investigators must be licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This ensures legal compliance in gathering evidence or locating individuals.
How Private Investigators Help Locate Deadbeat Parents
A private investigator in West Palm Beach can utilize a wide range of tools and databases unavailable to the general public. Here’s how they typically proceed:
1. Skip Tracing Techniques
Skip tracing is the process of tracking someone who has intentionally disappeared or relocated without leaving a trace. Investigators use tools like:
- Utility record searches
- DMV records
- Property ownership databases
- Social media and digital footprint analysis
- Employment databases
- Surveillance and interviews
2. Asset Investigations
Many non-custodial parents claim they can’t pay child support, yet have undisclosed income or hidden assets. A PI can help uncover:
- Bank accounts
- Business interests
- Real estate holdings
- High-value property (e.g., vehicles, boats)
This information can be provided to your family court attorney to help enforce child support through garnishments or liens.
3. Locating the Subject for Legal Service
In cases where the person must be served court papers, locating their address is crucial. Without a valid address, legal proceedings stall. A private investigator can find current whereabouts to allow official service of process, which is required to initiate or enforce court orders.
When Hiring a Private Investigator Makes Sense
You should consider hiring a PI in West Palm Beach if:
- The non-custodial parent has moved out of state or frequently relocates.
- They are actively avoiding wage garnishment or court appearances.
- State child support enforcement has been unresponsive or ineffective.
- You lack basic identifying details like current address, workplace, or legal name (due to alias use or name changes).
For an experienced private investigator, just visit Ali Private Investigator Tampa.
Legal Considerations in Florida
Hiring a PI must always respect privacy laws. In Florida, the invasion of privacy (e.g., tapping phones, unauthorized GPS tracking, breaking into emails) is illegal, even for licensed investigators.
Choose an investigator who complies with state and federal regulations, including:
- FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- GLBA (Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act)
- HIPAA (if medical records are at stake)
Always ensure that any evidence gathered is admissible in family court.
The Role of the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR)
While hiring a private investigator gives you a faster edge, the Florida DOR Child Support Program remains a critical partner. Based in Tallahassee but with local offices in Palm Beach County, the DOR can:
- Establish paternity
- Issue income withholding orders
- Report to credit bureaus
- Suspend driver’s or professional licenses
- Intercept tax refunds and lottery winnings
If a PI finds the subject’s location, this data can be passed to the DOR to expedite enforcement actions.
Local PI Services in West Palm Beach, Florida
West Palm Beach is home to numerous reputable and licensed PI agencies specializing in family law cases. Some notable services include:
- Crossroads Investigations
- Integrity Private Investigations
- All Florida Investigations & Forensics
These agencies often work alongside Palm Beach County family law attorneys, creating a synergy that improves the likelihood of successful child support enforcement.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a PI in West Palm Beach?
The cost varies based on case complexity, the PI’s experience, and duration. On average:
- Hourly rates range from $75 to $150 per hour.
- Flat fees for skip tracing typically start around $500.
- Comprehensive investigations with surveillance and asset searches can exceed $2,000.
Compare this to months or years of missed child support payments, and the return on investment can be substantial.
Alternatives and Support Services in Palm Beach County
Before or alongside hiring a PI, consider these local resources:
- Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County: Offers free or low-cost legal services in family law.
- Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller – Family Division: Where all child support cases are filed and processed.
- Family Court Self Service Center – West Palm Beach Courthouse: Assists self-represented litigants in filing child support motions.
These services may recommend reputable investigators or help coordinate with one.
Final Thoughts: Taking Action with Confidence
If you’re asking, “Can I hire a private investigator to find someone for child support in West Palm Beach, Florida?” the answer is a definitive yes—with the right guidance and legal guardrails. A licensed PI can offer critical investigative support, helping you reconnect the legal system to an absentee parent. This empowers you to pursue rightful support for your child, whether through the courts, the DOR, or both.
Private investigation is not a replacement for legal action—it’s a complementary force. In the fight for child support accountability, especially in Palm Beach County, the sooner you act, the better your chances of enforcement.