One of the most common reasons people reach out to a private investigator is suspicion of infidelity. The thought process is understandable: you want clarity before a confrontation, a breakup, or a major life decision. The question you have to ask yourself is: is this really a good decision? Will it help me in the long run?

Here’s the part that surprises a lot of people—Cascadia Risk Management Corporation generally does not investigate “is my spouse cheating?” cases. Not because we don’t understand the pain or the uncertainty, and not because we lack the capability. We don’t typically take them because, in Washington State, infidelity investigations often don’t deliver the outcome clients are hoping for—and can create extra financial and emotional damage along the way.

Below are a few reasons to think carefully before hiring a PI to investigate a spouse.

If you’re considering surveillance, the trust may already be broken.

We’re not relationship counselors, and we’re not here to tell anyone what to do with their marriage. But we are in the business of outcomes—and we’ve seen a consistent pattern:

When a relationship gets to the point where you feel you need to pay someone to confirm the truth, the trust foundation is often already gone.

And even when an investigation produces a clear result, many clients still feel unsatisfied:

• If the partner is cheating, the proof hurts—and often doesn’t bring closure.

• If the partner isn’t cheating, the suspicion usually doesn’t disappear; it often shifts into a different kind of mistrust.

In other words, the investigation may provide information, but it doesn’t necessarily provide peace.

Washington is a no-fault divorce state

A major reason people request infidelity investigations is to “have evidence” for divorce.

In Washington, that generally doesn’t work the way people expect.

Washington is a no-fault divorce state, meaning courts typically do not weigh “marital misconduct” (like cheating) when deciding the major outcomes of divorce—property division, spousal maintenance, or parenting plans. If your goal is to gain a legal advantage, infidelity evidence usually isn’t the lever you think it is.

If you’re considering an investigation for legal strategy, your best first step is often speaking with a family law attorney about what actually matters in Washington courts. 

Divorce is expensive. Investigations add cost—often without adding value.

Private investigations are professional services, and professional services cost money. Meanwhile, divorce itself can already be financially draining—even an uncontested divorce often runs $1,000–$5,000 once filing fees and legal support are factored in.

When infidelity evidence doesn’t materially change the legal outcome, adding investigative fees on top can be a tough return on investment.

What we CAN do

When someone calls us in a relationship-related situation, we’ll often explore whether there’s a different, more actionable issue at hand—something that does change safety, legal exposure, or financial risk. For example:

• harassment, stalking, or threats

• locating a person or confirming identity

• fraud, hidden assets, or financial deception (where legally relevant)

• child safety concerns that require careful documentation and proper channels

If you’re unsure whether your situation fits, we’re happy to point you in the right direction—even if that means advising you not to hire a PI.