PI 101 - Introduction to Private Investigation

Chapter 1 - "Adultery" Defined:

In South Carolina at least, adultery evidence is basically acquired in two somewhat distinct parts. 

"Inclination" is observed evidence (by a licensed private investigator) illustrating the fact that the spouse in question is 'inclined' to be romantically or at least physically involved with another person (many times described as the "paramour"), other than their spouse. 

Examples of inclination include: public affection such as kissing, holding hands, walking arm-in-arm, etc.  Simple behavior such as the opening of a car door for the other person, a touch of the paramour's hand on the spouse's back or arm, exclusive conversation in a restaurant or bar, etc. can also be used as inclination evidence. 

In the computer forensics world inclination comes in numerous versions/styles such as: emails, chat sessions, the mere fact that someone has an 'online profile' with a singles/dating web site, etc.

"Opportunity" is the other half of adultery.  Opportunity is observed evidence (by a licensed private investigator) illustrating the fact that the spouse in question had the specific 'opportunity' to be physically involved with another person, other than their spouse.

Examples of opportunity may be as minimal as a few minutes in a vehicle or in another public place where the spouse in question and the paramour are observed and documented having sexual relations or possibly having sexual relations.  However, the more common form of opportunity is illustrated with documented evidence that the spouse in question was alone with another person other than their spouse in a house, apartment, hotel, etc.  The amount of time needed for documentation varies on what the specific attorneys and family courts require, ranging from 1-2 hours to overnight. 

Once again, in the computer forensics world opportunity comes in numerous versions.  Normally, however, specific references to specific instances are needed - such as an email or chat session stating something like, "Dear Jane, remember when we stayed together at...  What a wonderful time that was...  Love, John."