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The Utah Gumshoe: 3 Tips for Proving Cohabitation

The Utah Gumshoe: Mystery of the Vanishing Utah Lawyer

Listen: 3 Tips for Proving Cohabitation

What is considered cohabitation is based on the laws of your state. By the way, I am not a lawyer and this Man and does not constitute legal advice. In the case of Myers v. Myers the Utah Supreme Court stated that proving cohabitation takes more than just showing the couple living together in a sexual relationship. In fact, the court cited the 1985 case of Haddow v. Haddow and said that the relationship must have the “hallmarks” of a marriage. So how do you do it? How do you prove cohabitation? You hire a private investigator to do it. A good private eye can gather the evidence for you. But keep in mind that proving cohabitation takes time and it’s not cheap. There are several methods for doing so. The following 3 tips should be part of any cohabitation investigation.

1. Trash Pull

Slap on the old latex gloves because you’re going dumpster diving. A good trash pull can produce evidence of cohabitation. Look for items such as condoms, condom wrappers, feminine napkins, notes, love letters, receipts, joint bills and photographs. These items can help prove cohabitation. Prior to any trash run make sure you understand the laws that apply in your state.

2. Social Media Search

Look to social media for evidence of cohabitation including pictures and references to trips and special events. Social media can be a goldmine. Copy the social media posts to further document evidence of cohabitation.

3. Keys and Codes

Finally, is the subject coming and going to the residence and using his own keys? Does he have a garage door opener or the code to open the garage door? It is helpful to show through video documentation that the subject is entering and leaving the residence without permission of the owner.

Aside from these three tips, there are several other methods that can be used to prove cohabitation. Any one method alone is generally not enough to prove cohabitation in a court of law. You will want to add an intensive surveillance protocol to provide further evidence. The overall goal is to demonstrate that your subject is involved in a relationship that exhibits the hallmarks of a marriage.

Until next time,

This is Scott Fulmer, the Utah Gumshoe, reminding you the game…is afoot!

About The Utah Gumshoe Podcast

Scott B. Fulmer The Utah Gumshoe

The Utah Gumshoe Podcast follows the real-life exploits, riveting case stories, investigative tips and insightful advice of Scott Fulmer, The Utah Gumshoe. Scott is a 20 year veteran Utah private investigator, surveillance expert and President/CEO of intellUTAH, a private investigation firm based in Salt Lake City.

He has written numerous articles on investigative and surveillance techniques that have appeared in PInow.com and other industry journals. He is a decorated combat veteran of the Persian Gulf War where he served with the famous 2nd Armored Division (Hell on Wheels). Whether you're a novice or an experienced investigator this is the podcast for you.

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