Reimbursement for your private investigator’s investigations under Article 700 of the Code of Civil Procedure

Article 700 of the Code of Civil Procedure allows the judge to order the losing party to pay your investigation costs, in addition to standard attorney’s fees. This applies in particular to:

• private investigations
• detective reports
• additional expert reports

In short, if you had to hire a private investigator to strengthen your case and you win the lawsuit, the judge may order your opponent to reimburse you for those expenses.

Here are some specific situations in which an investigation may be considered under Article 700:

• Divorce or Separation : Private investigator’s report proving adultery or concealment of income
• Unfair Dismissal or Fraudulent Sick Leave : Proof of serious misconduct through surveillance
• Commercial Dispute : to prove unfair competition or internal theft

What matters is that the investigation was helpful to your defense and conducted in accordance with the rules. The clearer and better-documented your report is—and the more it is prepared by a licensed professional, such as the private investigators at Groupe Aquila—the more likely it is to be taken into account by the judge.

Reimbursement is not automatic. It is up to your attorney to explicitly request it in their closing arguments. They must demonstrate that:

• The private investigation was necessary for the proceedings
• The expenses incurred are justified and reasonable
• The report helped resolve the dispute

In practice, this means a clear, well-documented report prepared by a licensed private investigator, such as those from the Aquila Group, is more likely to be taken into account by the judge.

Did You Know? The Aquila Group works closely with a highly effective attorney. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

Hiring a private investigator is an investment in building a solid case. But thanks to Article 700, it’s also a cost-effective strategy. If the decision goes in your favor, you can:

• win your case
• strengthen your legal arguments
• and get all or part of your expenses reimbursed

Close coordination with an attorney is essential to maximize your chances of getting a refund.

Do you have questions? Not sure if your situation warrants hiring a private investigator? Your initial consultation is confidential and non-binding. Our private investigation agency in Paris is here to listen to you, advise you, and offer a solution tailored to your needs.