Question 1

Is digital forensic evidence admissible in divorce court?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when it's collected and documented under proper forensic protocols. Every engagement we run uses court-admissible methodology — write-blocked imaging, documented chain of custody, hash-verified preservation, and a written report formatted to Federal Rules of Evidence and Daubert standards. We don't just deliver findings; we deliver findings that survive cross-examination and a Daubert challenge.

Question 2

What devices and accounts can you examine?

Accepted Answer

iPhones and Android phones, Windows and Mac laptops, iCloud and Google account exports, email accounts, social media, messaging apps (iMessage, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram), GPS history from vehicles or apps, hidden tracking devices (AirTags, Tile), home network logs, and cloud storage. We work with the original device when there is legal access to it, or with consented backups, exports, and subpoenaed records. We also tell you up front what cannot be extracted given the device, OS version, and timeframe.

Question 3

Can you recover deleted text messages, photos, or app data?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, depending on the device, operating system version, and how long ago the data was deleted. iPhones and modern Android devices encrypt at rest, which limits some recovery methods, but artifacts persist in iCloud backups, app caches, system logs, and deleted-file slack space. We use Cellebrite, Magnet AXIOM, and Apple-native workflows. We give you a realistic recovery probability for your specific situation in the consultation, before you commit to an engagement.

Question 4

How much does a divorce-related forensic investigation cost?

Accepted Answer

Focused service tracks (single-device extraction, timeline reconstruction for one custody question) are offered at fixed fees, typically $3,000–$8,000. Complex multi-device investigations are billed hourly with a milestone-capped scope agreed up front, typically $5,000–$25,000 depending on volume and complexity. Sliding-scale arrangements are available for survivors of domestic violence and clients with limited resources — that conversation happens on the first consultation.

Question 5

How long does a typical engagement take?

Accepted Answer

A focused single-device forensic extraction usually runs 5–10 business days from device receipt to written report. Complex investigations involving multiple devices, cloud accounts, and timeline reconstruction typically run 3–6 weeks. If you have a court hearing, deposition, or mediation deadline, the engagement is structured around that date.

Question 6

Will my spouse know I had their device or accounts examined?

Accepted Answer

That depends on whether there is legal access to the device or account. Forensic examinations performed without legal access are not work we will take — that is both an ethical line for the practice and a federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act issue that can compromise your divorce case. We work with devices and accounts you legally co-own or have consent to examine, or alongside your attorney to obtain devices through subpoena or court order. The practice does not perform covert spyware deployments or unauthorized account access.

Question 7

Do you work directly with my attorney?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we strongly prefer to. Most divorce-forensics engagements are billed under your attorney's privilege with a written engagement letter that names your attorney as the directing client. This protects the work product, keeps findings admissible, and ensures the investigation supports your legal strategy. We are regularly retained directly by family-law and matrimonial attorneys; your lawyer can also introduce us if that is easier.

Digital Forensics for Divorce and Family Law

What this service does

What we will not do

How an engagement begins

Why this work matters

Quinnlan Varcoe

A confidential, structured engagement.

Confidential Consultation

Scoped Engagement

Investigation and Findings

Frequently asked about divorce forensics

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