If you've ever found yourself staring at a problem that just won't give up its answers, whether it's a spouse who keeps making excuses, a co parent suddenly acting differently with your child, or a business deal that feels off, you've probably wondered who can help you uncover the truth. A private investigator often becomes the person people turn to when they need clarity, evidence, or peace of mind. But here's the thing many don't realize until they start searching: private investigators come in different specialties, and choosing the right one can make the difference between frustration and progress.
Below, you'll find a breakdown of the major types of investigators, what they actually do, how to know which one fits your situation, and insight into expected costs so you can feel more confident as you move forward.
What Are the Different Types of Private Investigators in Franklin, TN?
Private investigators can be thought of like doctors with different specialties... same foundation, but entirely different focuses depending on your needs. While many PIs in Franklin, TN handle a mix of cases, most lean into one or more core specialties to sharpen their skills and tools. The main types include domestic investigators, child custody investigators, corporate and legal investigators, cyber investigators, and missing persons investigators.
Domestic / Infidelity Investigators
These PIs gather evidence of cheating or behaviors that affect divorce outcomes. They use discreet surveillance, tracking patterns, and documenting proof that can support emotional closure, or legal strategy.
Child Custody Investigators
Focused on the safety and well being of a child, these investigators document behavior, living conditions, or potential risks, often working closely with attorneys in custody disputes.
Corporate / Workplace Investigators
These professionals track internal theft, fraud, misconduct, or risk within businesses. They may run background checks, conduct interviews, or uncover employee related concerns affecting revenue or safety.
Legal Support Investigators
Often hired by attorneys, these PIs gather evidence for court cases, serve subpoenas, locate witnesses, or verify claims. Think of them as the behind the scenes truth finders for the legal system.
Cyber and Digital Investigators
When evidence lives behind screens, these PIs analyze digital footprints, track online harassment, recover deleted data, or verify the legitimacy of online identities.
Missing Persons Investigators
Distinct from law enforcement, these investigators search for long lost relatives, runaway teens, or individuals who have voluntarily disconnected. Their role is persistence and resourcefulness when official leads stall.
Each specialty connects to a different life problem. If you're unsure where your situation fits, start by naming the outcome you're looking for, closure, safety, protection, or proof, and work backward toward the investigator whose tools align with that outcome.
Local Insight: How Franklin, TN shapes PI work
Franklin has a unique mix of needs... tight knit neighborhoods, strong family roots, and fast growing business communities. That means domestic and child custody investigations are among the most requested locally, especially when evidence may be used in Williamson County courts. At the same time, tech driven businesses and remote work have raised the need for corporate and digital investigative services.
Locals tend to value discretion, honesty, and clear communication, and investigators who understand the rhythms of Franklin, rush hour choke points, school schedules, neighborhoods where "everybody knows everybody," are often better equipped to gather accurate, usable evidence with minimal attention.
How much is a PI for a day?
Pricing varies based on specialization, experience, and urgency, but as a general benchmark:
Day rates typically fall between $700–$1,500, depending on how many hours of surveillance or investigative work are needed.
Surveillance heavy cases cost more due to equipment, travel, and time on location.
Some PIs may cap daily hours to avoid wasted budget and return higher quality results.
How much does it cost to hire a private investigator?
Most investigators in Franklin, TN charge $100–$150 per hour, depending on specialization and complexity. Some require a retainer ranging from $1,500–$3,000 to begin work, especially for infidelity or custody cases where timelines shift based on the subject's behavior. Clear communication upfront about goals often reduces cost because the investigator can target efforts more precisely.
How much do private investigators make in Oklahoma?
While not specific to Tennessee, many private investigators in Oklahoma earn between $45,000 and $90,000 per year, depending on caseload, specialization, and whether they work independently or with an agency. High demand services like infidelity, corporate risk, and digital forensics tend to drive earnings upward.
If you're in Franklin, here's how we can help…
If you're navigating a situation where answers matter, and you want clarity without judgment,
The Dillon Agency can walk you through options and costs before you make any commitment. A conversation doesn't obligate you to anything; it simply gives you direction.
Ready to get clear on the next step? Reach out, share what you're facing, and we'll help you understand what kind of investigator you may need, and what you can expect.
Learn more about our private investigator services here.
