It's Not Like the Movies. It's Better.
Here's the direct answer about first PI consultations: It's a confidential conversation where I learn about your situation, you ask questions about investigation options, we discuss realistic expectations and costs, and we both decide if working together makes sense. No commitment, no pressure, no judgment. Just honest assessment of what investigation can accomplish for your specific situation in Costa Rica.
The first consultation typically takes 30-60 minutes by phone, video call, or in-person meeting if you're in Costa Rica. It's free. It's confidential. And it's your opportunity to determine if professional investigation is the right approach before spending money on anything.
After 27 years conducting investigations in Costa Rica, I've had thousands of initial consultations. Some lead to investigations. Some don't. Either way, people walk away with clearer understanding of their situation and options. That's what the consultation is for.
Let me explain what actually happens during a first PI consultation, what questions I'll ask, what you should ask me, how confidentiality works, what happens after the consultation, and how to prepare for the most productive initial conversation.
How the First Consultation Works
Understanding the consultation process removes anxiety about contacting a private investigator.
How to Schedule a Consultation
Contact methods that work:
- WhatsApp: 407-955-6150 (fastest response, can text or call)
- Phone: 321-218-9209 (U.S. number, works from anywhere)
- Email: codygear@gmail.com (send summary, I'll respond to set up call)
What happens when you reach out:
- If you call/text: We can talk immediately if I'm available, or schedule convenient time
- If you email: I respond within 24 hours (usually sooner) to schedule consultation
- Time zones work out: I'm in Costa Rica (CST), available during U.S. business hours plus evenings
No runaround: You contact me directly. Not a receptionist, not an intake form, not a sales department. Me. The investigator who would handle your case.
Consultation Format Options
Phone consultation (most common):
- Works for 95% of initial consultations
- Private conversation from wherever you are
- Can discuss details without in-person meeting
- 30-60 minutes typically
Video call (if preferred):
- WhatsApp video, Zoom, or similar
- Some people prefer face-to-face even if remote
- Same content as phone, just with video
In-person meeting (if you're in Costa Rica):
- Can meet in San José, Jaco, or arrange location in Costa Rica
- Some situations benefit from in-person discussion
- Particularly useful if investigation involves showing me physical locations, documents
Cost: Free
Initial consultations are free. Here's why:
- You need to assess if investigation makes sense for your situation
- I need to understand your case to provide accurate quote
- Both of us need to determine if we're good fit to work together
- No commitment, no obligation to hire me after consultation
What's NOT free: Investigation work itself. But consultation to discuss potential investigation? Always free.
What I'll Ask During the Consultation
I need specific information to assess your situation and provide realistic recommendations.
About Your Situation
Questions I'll ask:
- What's happening that prompted you to contact a PI? The core issue—infidelity suspicions, girlfriend verification, missing person, background check, etc.
- Who is involved? Subject of investigation (spouse, girlfriend, business partner, etc.), their connection to you, their location in Costa Rica
- What specifically do you need to know? Your objectives—proof of infidelity, verify someone's background, locate person, confirm marital status, etc.
- What have you observed or discovered already? Any evidence, suspicions, red flags that led you here
- Timeline and urgency? When does investigation need to happen? Any time-sensitive factors?
Why I ask these questions: Can't provide accurate assessment without understanding the actual situation. The more honest you are, the better I can advise whether investigation makes sense.
About the Subject
Information about person being investigated:
- Full name: As they're known, any variations, aliases if relevant
- Location in Costa Rica: Where they live, work, spend time—Jaco, Tamarindo, San José, etc.
- Physical description: Age, appearance, distinguishing features (helps with surveillance identification)
- Routine and schedule: Work hours, regular activities, patterns (affects investigation planning)
- Social media presence: Accounts they use (sometimes provides useful background)
Why this matters: Feasibility and cost of investigation depend heavily on subject's location, routine, lifestyle in Costa Rica.
About Your Expectations
Questions about what you expect investigation to accomplish:
- What would successful investigation look like? Specific evidence needed, questions answered, outcomes desired
- What will you do with investigation results? Divorce proceedings, end relationship, business decision, immigration case, personal knowledge?
- Budget considerations? General range of what you're prepared to invest (helps me recommend appropriate investigation scope)
- Timeline expectations? How soon do you need results?
Why I ask: Need to ensure investigation can actually provide what you need. If expectations are unrealistic given Costa Rica's systems and constraints, I tell you upfront.
What You Should Ask Me
The consultation is your opportunity to evaluate me as much as I'm evaluating your case.
About My Experience and Qualifications
Questions you should ask:
- How long have you worked in Costa Rica? (27 years for me—important because Costa Rica expertise matters)
- What types of cases do you handle? (Infidelity, girlfriend verification, missing persons, background checks, etc.)
- Have you handled cases like mine before? (Specific experience with your type of situation)
- Are you licensed/legal to operate in Costa Rica? (Important—many claiming to be "Costa Rica PIs" aren't actually here)
- Can you provide references? (Past clients, attorneys who've used my services)
About Investigation Process
Questions about how investigation would work:
- What specific methods would you use? (Surveillance, record searches, interviews, etc.)
- How long would investigation take? (Realistic timeline for your situation)
- What can you actually discover? (Honest assessment of what's possible vs. impossible in Costa Rica)
- What evidence format will I receive? (Photos, video, documents, written report?)
- Will evidence be admissible in court if needed? (Important if divorce, legal proceedings are involved)
About Costs and Payment
Financial questions to ask:
- How much will investigation cost? (Should get clear quote or range based on your specific case)
- What's included in that price? (Surveillance hours, travel, reports, etc.)
- What's NOT included? (Any additional costs that might arise)
- How do payments work? (Retainer required? Payment schedule?)
- What if investigation ends early? (Refund policy if case resolves quickly)
About Confidentiality and Communication
Questions about privacy and contact:
- How is confidentiality maintained? (How your case information is protected)
- How will you communicate with me? (Phone, email, WhatsApp? Secure methods?)
- How often will I get updates? (Communication frequency during investigation)
- What happens to investigation records after case ends? (File retention, deletion policies)
What I'll Tell You During Consultation
Honest assessment is the point of consultation. Here's what you'll learn from me.
Whether Investigation Makes Sense
Honest evaluation of your situation:
- If investigation can help: I explain what's discoverable, realistic outcomes, how investigation addresses your concerns
- If investigation won't help: I tell you honestly. Some situations don't require PI—evidence is already clear, issue isn't investigable, cheaper alternatives exist
- If something else is needed first: Sometimes legal consultation, counseling, or other action should come before investigation
Example of when I say "don't hire me": Spouse is obviously having affair based on what you've described. You don't need paid surveillance—you need divorce attorney. I tell you that, even though it costs me business.
Realistic Expectations for Your Case
What investigation can and cannot accomplish:
- Best case scenario: What successful investigation looks like for your situation
- Likely outcomes: Most probable results based on circumstances
- Limitations: What cannot be discovered due to Costa Rica's systems, legal restrictions, practical constraints
- Timeline: How long investigation realistically takes
Why this matters: You make informed decision based on reality, not promises I can't deliver.
Investigation Plan and Costs
Specific proposal for your case:
- Recommended approach: Which investigation methods apply to your situation
- Estimated timeline: Days or weeks investigation requires
- Cost quote: Clear pricing based on investigation scope
- What's included: Exactly what you get for that price
- Alternative options: Different investigation levels if budget is concern
Next Steps If You Decide to Proceed
How engagement works:
- Contract: Written agreement outlining investigation scope, costs, terms
- Retainer: Typically 50% upfront to begin investigation
- Start date: When investigation can begin (often immediately or within days)
- Communication plan: How and when you'll receive updates
- Expected completion: When results will be delivered
Confidentiality During and After Consultation
What you tell me stays confidential, even if you never hire me.
What's Confidential
Protected information:
- Everything you tell me about your situation
- Personal details about you, your relationships, your concerns
- Information about the subject of potential investigation
- Any evidence or suspicions you share
- The fact that you contacted a private investigator at all
This applies even if: You decide not to hire me, investigation never happens, you change your mind after consultation. Confidentiality isn't contingent on becoming a client.
How Information Is Handled
Security practices:
- Consultation notes kept secure (not left where others can see)
- Digital communications encrypted when possible
- No discussion of your case with anyone except you (unless you authorize it)
- Files deleted if you don't proceed with investigation
Exceptions to Confidentiality
Only situations where I cannot maintain confidentiality:
- You disclose ongoing child abuse or imminent danger to someone
- You're planning criminal activity and asking me to participate
- Court orders me to disclose information (rare, but legally required if it happens)
Otherwise: What you tell me stays with me. Period.
How to Prepare for Productive Consultation
A little preparation makes consultation more useful for both of us.
Before You Contact Me
Organize your thoughts:
- Write down key facts: Names, dates, locations, events that prompted contact
- Clarify your objectives: What do you actually need to know? What will you do with information?
- Gather relevant details: Subject's name, where they are in Costa Rica, routine, any evidence you have
- Consider your timeline: When do you need results? Any urgency factors?
- Think about budget: General range of what investigation investment makes sense for your situation
During the Consultation
Make the most of conversation:
- Be honest: Withholding information wastes both our time. I can't help if I don't know real situation.
- Ask your questions: Don't leave consultation with unanswered concerns
- Take notes: You'll want to remember what I said about costs, timeline, process
- Don't feel pressured: No commitment during consultation. Think it over after we talk.
What to Have Available (If Applicable)
Helpful but not required:
- Photos of subject (helps with surveillance identification)
- Addresses in Costa Rica (home, work, places they frequent)
- Vehicle information if known
- Social media account names
- Any documents relevant to case
Don't worry if you don't have these: We work with whatever information you have. Perfect documentation isn't required for consultation.
What Happens After the Consultation
You're in control of what happens next.
If You Want to Proceed
Engagement process:
- You tell me you want to move forward
- I send written contract outlining investigation scope, costs, terms
- You review and sign contract (electronically is fine)
- You send retainer payment (50% typically)
- Investigation begins on agreed start date
Timeline: Can often start within 1-3 days after contract signed and retainer received.
If You Need Time to Decide
No pressure to decide immediately:
- Take time to think about whether investigation makes sense
- Discuss with attorney, therapist, trusted advisor if helpful
- Contact me with additional questions as they arise
- Reach out when ready to proceed (or if you decide against investigation)
If You Decide Against Investigation
Perfectly fine:
- No obligation to hire me after consultation
- No hard feelings if investigation doesn't make sense for you
- Your information remains confidential
- You're welcome to contact me in future if circumstances change
Common Questions About PI Consultations
Will my spouse/girlfriend/subject find out I contacted a private investigator?
No. Consultation is confidential. Phone/video calls are private. Even if you're in Costa Rica and we meet in person, I can arrange discreet location. Your subject won't know you contacted me unless you tell them or proceed with investigation that tips them off (which I work to prevent during actual investigation).
Do I need to know exactly what I want investigated before consultation?
No. Many people contact me with general concerns—"something's not right with my relationship," "I'm suspicious about this business deal," "I need to verify someone's background." The consultation helps clarify what specific investigation would address your concerns. I help you focus investigation on what actually matters for your situation.
What if I'm not sure investigation is ethical or legal for my situation?
Ask me during consultation. I only take cases that are legal and ethical. If your proposed investigation crosses legal or ethical lines, I tell you honestly that I can't help—and explain why. If investigation is legitimate but you're concerned about ethics, we discuss those concerns openly. I won't take your money for investigation you shouldn't pursue.
Can I have consultation without revealing my identity?
For initial phone consultation, you can share as little or as much identifying information as you're comfortable with. However, for actual investigation engagement, I need to know who you are for contract, payment, and liability purposes. But initial conversation? Use first name only, burner email, whatever makes you comfortable discussing situation.
What if my situation is complicated or unusual?
Every investigation has unique elements. After 27 years, I've handled extremely complex, unusual cases—nothing surprises me. Complicated situations often benefit most from consultation because there are multiple factors to consider. Don't worry about your case being "too weird" or complex. Just explain situation as clearly as you can, and we'll work through it together.
The Bottom Line on First PI Consultations
Initial consultation is straightforward conversation where you explain your situation, I provide honest assessment of what investigation can accomplish, we discuss costs and process, and you decide if moving forward makes sense.
What consultation provides:
- Clear understanding of investigation options for your situation
- Realistic expectations about what can be discovered
- Honest assessment of whether investigation is worthwhile
- Specific quote for investigation scope
- Answers to your questions about process, confidentiality, evidence
What consultation costs: Nothing. Free. No obligation.
How long it takes: 30-60 minutes typically
What happens after: You decide whether to proceed. No pressure from me either way.
After 27 years, I've learned that good consultations save everyone time and money. If investigation isn't right for your situation, I tell you during consultation—not after you've paid me. If investigation can help, I explain exactly how, what it costs, what you'll get.
Either way, consultation gives you clarity to make informed decision about next steps.
Schedule Free Confidential Consultation
No commitment. No pressure. Just honest conversation about your situation and whether investigation makes sense. Whether you're dealing with infidelity suspicions in Costa Rica, need girlfriend verification, background check, missing person case—consultation clarifies your options.
Contact me to schedule consultation. 30-60 minutes. Confidential. Free.
Contact for Consultation
Ready to discuss your situation confidentially? Reach out via whichever method works best for you.
WhatsApp (Fastest Response): 407-955-6150
Phone: 321-218-9209
Email: codygear@gmail.com