-
Megan Parker
★★★★★
6 months ago
I approached Cowan Investigations from out of state with a delicate situation that needed to be handled in NJ and Liz made me feel at ease and in good hands immediately! Both Liz and Bob reviewed my case and got back to be the same day … More with a great price and additional suggestions to make sure I was satisfied with the planning they had come up with. It was important to me for all parties involved in my case to feel comfortable and Liz and Bob definitely fit the bill! They took the time to gather all the information needed and completely exceeded my expectations. I originally chose to call Cowan Investigations because of the professional website and Bob's credentials, but it was the personal care and service that cemented their agency for me. Thanks again Liz!!
-
Allison Kaplan
★★★★★
3 months ago
If you find yourself in need of a PI, I can assure you that retaining Cowan Investigations is 100% the right choice. Bob and his wife Liz worked tirelessly to assist me with a very challenging situation and ultimately were able to exceed … More my highest expectations in terms of obtaining evidence. I truly cannot thank them enough for the level of care and professionalism they brought to my case.
-
W. N. D. Movie Reviews
★★★★★
7 months ago
I didn't personally have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Cowan but Liz was so incredibly efficient and professional!! Within hrs she had already gotten answers to a question that has tormented me for a long time.
If you need ANY investigative … More work done trust Cowan. This was my 1st time dealing with an investigative service and I was best pleased!! 5 stars all the way! A special thank you to Liz. You're a dear and I will always remember your warmth, sympathy and professionalism. Always.
Yours
Tom
-
Anthony S
★★★★★
a year ago
Best of the Best!
Worked with Bob during his tenure as the former Chief of the Jersey City Police Department. All I can say is that you will be getting what you pay for with this results driven company.
A leader within the industry with … More over 34+ years in law enforcement as well as a proven track record of accomplishments in the field. If I needed a private investigator, Cowan Investigations would be my first choice, hands down.
-
Rae
★★★★★
a year ago
I would highly recommend Cowan Investigations. From the time you speak to Liz on the phone until the time Bob is finished with the investigation you will always know what is going on, what is taking place, and what they found. You will … More be provided with detailed information and surveillance. Bob is very well trained in this field and will provide you with outstanding work. Both Bob and Liz are very compassionate and caring people and make you feel comfortable through the whole process. At the end of the investigation you’ll know that you have hired the right people for the job.
-
Weirdos next door
★★★★★
7 months ago
I didn't personally have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Cowan but Liz was so incredibly efficient and professional!! Within hrs she had already gotten answers to a question that has tormented me for a long time.
If you need ANY investigative … More work done trust Cowan. This was my 1st time dealing with an investigative service and I was best pleased!! 5 stars all the way! A special thank you to Liz. You're a dear and I will always remember your warmth, sympathy and professionalism. Always.
Yours
Tom
-
Tommy Musselman
★★★★★
7 months ago
I didn't personally have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Cowan but Liz was so incredibly efficient and professional!! Within hrs she had already gotten answers to a question that has tormented me for a long time.
If you need ANY investigative … More work done trust Cowan. This was my 1st time dealing with an investigative service and I was best pleased!! 5 stars all the way! A special thank you to Liz. You're a dear and I will always remember your warmth, sympathy and professionalism. Always.
Yours
Tom
-
Jay White
★★★★★
a year ago
As a retired Deputy Police Chief with the Jersey City Police Department I had the privilege of working with Bob Cowan for over 25 years.
Bob is an honest and ethical professional who shows empathy towards people in unfortunate situations. … More
Bob’s objective analysis and evaluation of an issue enables him to address the true problem at hand.
His strong analytical abilities coupled with thorough research and attention to detail make him an ideal private investigator.
I know his clients will receive a comprehensive detailed report that will stand up in any hearing or court of law.
Bob is a high caliber dedicated professional who will give it his all to address the issues at hand and achieve results.
-
—
A Google User
★★★★★
a year ago
As a retired Deputy Police Chief with the Jersey City Police Department I had the privilege of working with Bob Cowan for over 25 years.
Bob is an honest and ethical professional who shows empathy towards people in unfortunate situations. … More
Bob’s objective analysis and evaluation of an issue enables him to address the true problem at hand.
His strong analytical abilities coupled with thorough research and attention to detail make him an ideal private investigator.
I know his clients will receive a comprehensive detailed report that will stand up in any hearing or court of law.
Bob is a high caliber dedicated professional who will give it his all to address the issues at hand and achieve results.
-
Sarah V
★★★★★
a year ago
I have been married for over 25 years, 2 years ago things just started not feeling right, I started having suspicions that my husband was cheating. I felt trapped, I was embarrassed to talk about it with anyone. I put up with feeling … More this way for two years.
I began researching private investigators because I was fed up with being lied to and deceived, talked to like I was crazy. I called a few investigators but I did not feel comfortable, I felt like I was talking to used car salesmen. Just before I was going to give up I called Cowan Investigations. From the minute I began speaking to Liz Cowan I began to feel comfortable, she was very genuine, caring and knowledgeable on how to proceed. Liz set up a call with Bob who I immediately could tell was very experienced and knew how to proceed.
Over a 4 day period Bob and Joe uncovered the evidence I needed to confront the lies and other deceptions I was subjected to, which let me make the decisions I needed to make for myself. Above all I was able to regain my self respect by getting the proof I needed.
From time Liz answered the phone until Bob and Joe finished the investigation, I was overwhelmed by the professionalism and caring they displayed towards me and the investigation.
Thanks again Liz, Bob and Joe, you’re the best
-
Fidel Hernandez
★★★★★
a year ago
If there was a way to give this Gentleman ten stars, I would. Don't be mistaken by the use of the word "gentleman" he is a hound and he zeros in on the minutia of the investigation. He is a real detective with a extensive … More background in law enforcement.
I thought that I had a really good understanding of my case and then I hired Bob Cowan. He exposed so many things that were hidden in plain sight that it blew my mind and consequently gave me much needed peace of mind.
From the time he took my case, he kept in constant contact with me. All throughout, he explained things in way that I could understand. He was reassuring, professional and the best guy for the job!
I am in the unenviable position of knowing what I am saying. It can and is, at times, overwhelming when you have to hire a private investigator. This usually arises from a traumatic experience and the reason why you should surround yourself with someone who knows what this experience fells like.
I trust Bob Cowan and hope he continues to help others, like he helped me. I am grateful to have been referred to him! Thank you, Sir.
And yes, I would be remiss if I didn't thank his wife Liz. She took my initial phone call and she knew I needed his help. She was warm and kind. Just what you need when you are faced with these situations...Thank you, Liz.
-
Susie K
★★★★★
a year ago
I recently had the need to use a private investigator. After looking at several options, I decided to call Cowan Investigations. The decision to call them turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. I really like the fact that … More Mr. Cowan has a law enforcement background and is a former Chief of Police for Jersey City. After my first conversation with Liz Cowan I knew I had called the right people. She made me feel very comfortable when I answered all the questions she needed to get the facts regarding a very complicated situation. Liz is very thorough, caring, and very professional and usually available when I had questions. Liz and Bob make you, their priority. I NEVER had to worry if Mr. Cowan would be working on my case at the time I was promised. He was always at the location, on time, very descrete and went way above and beyond my expectations. I was informed of the progress on a daily basis and over a period of 4-5 days, had enough evidence to prove my case. The reports are very professionally written with dates and time stamped. It says a lot when my lawyer called Bob Cowan and complimented him on the great report he gave to my lawyer, to take to court. I feel the evidence gathered by Cowan Investigations and presented to the judge, by my lawyer, made a huge difference in the judge's decision. I met Mr. Cowan and shook his hand after I won the case. I highly recommend Cowan Investigations and will definitely use them again if needed. Thank you for all your hard work, you are the best!
New Jersey Private Investigator & Divorce
June 25, 2018 by Bob Cowan • Divorce • Tags: cheating spouse investigations, child custody investigations, cohabitation investigations, infidelity, New Jersey private investigator •
.New Jersey Cheating Spouse Investigations
A New Jersey Private Investigator is very often retained to provide investigative services pertaining to divorce related matters. At times, the New Jersey Private Investigator and his or her investigation is the catalyst for the divorce. The private investigator and the investigator’s work often becomes the cause of the divorce in infidelity or cheating spouse inquiries https://cowaninvestigations.com/infidelity/. What is interesting in Cheating spouse investigations is even when the investigation uncovers infidelity the infidelity often does not actually make a difference in terms of the divorce. A New Jersey Private Investigator is often successful at uncovering infidelity in a relationships because the investigator knows the signs of cheating to be aware of https://cowaninvestigations.com/signs-of-a-cheating-partner/. An experienced private investigator will also be able to predict the best days to conduct surveillance in order to obtain evidence of a cheating spouse https://cowaninvestigations.com/best-days-to-catch-a-cheating-spouse/.
In a New Jersey Divorce Litigation, infidelity and a cheating spouse does not result punitive or other negative sanctions. In most instances, a married couple’s assets, debts, or other liabilities that had accumulated during the term of their marriage will be divided “equitably” when the couple divorces. This equitable distribution will often include any assets being held in only one of the party’s name. In most cases the manner in which the title to an asset is held which was acquired during the term of the marriage, may be disregarded. Certain factors can impact the manner in which that asset may be equitably distributed. Despite this, a cheating spouse may be required to compensate the marital estate for any funds that might have been spent by a cheating spouse on the “other” man or woman. For instance, the money a cheater paid might have paid for travel, hotel, meals, gifts and other expenses associated with an extramarital affair might be factored into a divorcing couple’s property settlement agreement. New Jersey Family Law Attorney Peter Van Allen wrote a good article on infidelity and cheating and its impact on divorce proceedings https://www.newjerseydivorcelawyerblog.net/2017/05/14/adultery-divorce-new-jersey/.
As you can see, although infidelity and a cheating spouse investigation may end you up in a family court going through a divorce, the cheating for the most part is not going to get you any more or less in terms of a positive outcome. With that being said, most client’s I have conducted cheating spouse investigations for expressed to me that it was important for them that they had evidence of their spouses infidelity.
Putting infidelity to the side, there are two other areas in a New Jersey Divorce or Post Divorce Litigation in which a New Jersey Private Investigator can be of an enormous benefit. The areas I speak of are child custody investigations and Alimony investigations or/ what is frequently referred to as New Jersey Cohabitation Investigations.
New Jersey Child Custody Investigations
One of the most important divorce related investigations a New Jersey Private Investigator can conduct is a child custody investigation. Prior to taking on a Child Custody Investigation it is so very important the private investigator determine the client is not initiating the Child Custody Investigation for improper reasons. Improper reasons could be described as; getting even with the other parent, the avoidance of paying child support etc. The only reason a parent should be engaging in a child custody fight should be for the best interest of the child or children https://cowaninvestigations.com/child-custody/. When a New Jersey Private Investigator conducts a Child Custody Investigation two things are absolutely essential: discretion and confidentiality.
A New Jersey Child Custody Investigation should be initiated by the New Jersey Private Investigator obtaining as much information as possible. A thorough background investigation is able to uncover criminal records of persons around the children, whether or not the persons the children are exposed to have DUI charges or convictions in their past https://cowaninvestigations.com/backgrounds/. It is essential that the private investigator recognizes the importance of the use of comprehensive background searches in an effort to prevent possible or further child abuse, endangerment and/or neglect. For instance, if the mother or fathers new love interest is a “drunk” does this person drive drunk with the children? Does this “drunk” fall asleep while cooking? I think you get my point on how very very important it is to know who is around your children.
Do Not Leave It Up To The Police, DYFS Or Any Other Public Agency To Protect Your Children, It Is On You
Before you retain a New Jersey Private Investigator to gather evidence you need to due your due diligence research on the private investigator. Hiring a private investigator can be a costly proposition so you want to be certain the investigator is knowledgeable in how to collect legally admissible evidence. You would be shocked at the number of people who will simply Google Search “Private Investigator” and call the number of the first advertisement that pops up without even looking at the New Jersey Private Investigators Website and or his/her credentials and background.
I have been contacted more times than I care to count by client’s who had hired the “wrong” private investigators and spending thousands of dollars before the client realized the investigator was either not competent to handle the case. Perform your due diligence research prior to hiring a New Jersey Private Investigator, end of story, the wrong investigator can be a very expensive proposition for you.
New Jersey Cohabitation investigations
New Jersey Cohabitation Investigations are not divorce investigations in the literal sense but could be better described as a post divorce investigation. In September 2014, the New Jersey Legislature revised the Alimony Laws in New Jersey. In September of 2014, Governor Chris Christie signed the revisions into law.
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2014/Bills/AL14/42_.PDF
Under the 2014 statute, the court may suspend or terminate alimony if a payee cohabitates with another person. Pursuant to the law, cohabitation involves a mutually supportive, intimate personal relationship in which a couple has undertaken duties and privileges that are commonly associated with marriage or civil union but does not necessarily maintain a single common household.
When assessing whether cohabitation is occurring, the court shall consider the following:
(1) Intertwined finances such as joint bank accounts and other joint holdings or liabilities;
(2) Sharing or joint responsibility for living expenses;
(3) Recognition of the relationship in the couple’s social and family circle;
(4) Living together, the frequency of contact, the duration of the relationship, and other indicia of a mutually supportive intimate personal relationship;
(5) Sharing household chores;
(6) Whether the recipient of alimony has received an enforceable promise of support from another person within the meaning of subsection h. of R.S.25:1-5 (“palimony”); and
(7) All other relevant evidence.
In evaluating whether cohabitation is occurring and whether alimony should be suspended or terminated, the court shall also consider the length of the relationship. A court may not find an absence of cohabitation solely on grounds that the couple does not live together on a full-time basis.
Two of the big changes in this law were:
1- A court may not find an absence of cohabitation solely on grounds that the couple does not live together on a full-time basis (It was now possible to find cohabitation if the offending couple “kept” a bogus apartment while one of them was not really living there but actually cohabiting).
2- No more “Permanent Alimony”- There had been so much criticism about the concept of “permanent alimony”, the crux of the criticism has been that permanent alimony hinders the forward movement of the person who is being paid the “permanent alimony”. Think of it, would you really want to move on with your life, maybe get married or just move in with someone you love if you were to lose fifty thousand dollars a year when you did? Permanent alimony has often been referred to as a v”winning lottery ticket”.
For the most part, if a Client (the payor) goes to an attorney in order to get his or her alimony payments eliminated because his/her ex-spouse (payee) is cohabiting with another the lawyer will refer you to a New Jersey Private Investigator https://cowaninvestigations.com/cohabitation-investigation/. The attorney will want the New Jersey Private Investigator to obtain evidence of the cohabitation before the attorney will file a motion to end alimony. The New Jersey Private Investigator will then seek to obtain admissible evidence of cohabitation by using the guidelines listed above (1-7) as a parameter in order to gather evidence https://cowaninvestigations.com/alimony-investigation-hire-investigator-knows-law/. The end goal of a New Jersey Private Investigator is to provide enough evidence of cohabitation so as to enable your attorney to prove a “Prima Facie Case” of cohabitation.
** A prima facie case is the establishment of a legally required rebuttable presumption. A prima facie case is a cause of action or defense that is sufficiently established by a party’s evidence to justify a verdict in his or her favor, provided such evidence is not rebutted by the other party.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/prima_facie
_________________________________________________________________________________
About the author: Bob Cowan is the owner of Cowan Investigations a full service New Jersey Private Investigations Firm, Bob is the former Chief of the Jersey City Police Department and has 35 years experience as a police officer in New Jersey’s second largest municipality.
https://cowaninvestigations.com/bio/
Former Jersey City Police Chief Cowan speaking while Mayor Steve Fulop and the City Council look, Mr. Cowan is currently a prominent New Jersey Private Investigator
If you wish to speak with me regarding this article, or if you need a consultation regarding it’s contents please do not hesitate to call me at 732-837-8444, seven days a week 8:00am to 8:00pm.