A private investigator or private detective is a person who secretly follows and observes persons in public places for the purpose of witnessing behavior and collecting evidence of any illegal or improper activities (photos, videos, etc.). During the divorce process a spouse who suspects their spouse of cheating (adultery) or other improper or illegal behavior may hire a private investigator to follow or “tail” the other spouse.

In Alabama, private investigators are regulated under state law and must be licensed to legally conduct surveillance and investigative work. The Alabama Private Investigation Board (APIB) is responsible for licensing and regulating private investigators. To become a licensed private investigator in Alabama, individuals must meet certain requirements, including passing a background check and an examination. When hired during a divorce process to gather evidence of adultery or other improper behavior, private investigators must operate within the bounds of the law. This means they must respect privacy laws and cannot trespass on private property, wiretap, or engage in any other illegal activities while gathering evidence. Evidence collected legally by a private investigator can be used in court proceedings, including divorce cases, to support claims of adultery or other misconduct. It is important for anyone considering hiring a private investigator to consult with an attorney to ensure that the investigation is conducted legally and the evidence obtained is admissible in court.