Good questions deserve clear answers.

Describe the question you need answered, why it matters and any deadline. You do not need to choose an investigation method first. A short outline helps PDC discuss whether an enquiry is appropriate and what information would be needed.

Include a brief factual summary, the outcome you need, relevant dates and a safe way to contact you. State whether a solicitor, employer, bank or police force is already involved. Begin with an outline rather than attaching a large collection of sensitive files.

You can ask about a concern without already having proof. Separate what you know from what you suspect, and explain the source of each. The initial discussion should help identify whether there is a reasonable question to investigate.

Tell PDC who is advising you and whether they should give the formal instructions. The scope, reporting arrangements and authorised recipients should be agreed so the fact-finding fits the wider matter. Do not assume an investigator’s report is automatically legally privileged.

State the deadline and why it matters at the start of your message or call. Availability and feasibility need to be confirmed. If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services; if a suspected fraudulent payment has just been made, contact your bank promptly.

No responsible scope should promise a particular finding. Records may be incomplete, a lead may be incorrect or the lawful options may be limited. Agree the question, proposed work, reporting format and review point before deciding whether to proceed.

A basic pointer helps you identify a sensible first step, such as checking an official public register or organising your notes. It is not a completed investigation, a legal opinion or a promise of a result. Use a short outline so the question is clear.

The guides and blank downloads are provided for visitors to use without commissioning an investigation. They are starting points for common questions. If you reach a limit or need independent verification, you can ask PDC whether further work would be worthwhile.

Yes. The blank text files, spreadsheets and printable checklist can be downloaded directly. Keep completed copies somewhere appropriate for their sensitivity. Downloading a template does not send the information you later enter to PDC.

Give enough context to explain the question, without unnecessary identification numbers, financial details, intimate material or third-party documents. PDC can discuss what additional information is relevant and how it should be shared if the matter progresses.

No. They explain practical research and preparation steps. Legal rights, court deadlines, employment decisions and investment suitability depend on the circumstances and need the appropriate qualified adviser. Follow the official sources linked in each guide for the underlying guidance.

Keep both results, record their sources and dates, and label the issue unresolved. Check that each result concerns the same person or legal entity. Do not choose a version simply because it supports your existing view.

Cost depends on the question, available information, method, locations and reporting required. Ask for a written scope explaining the proposed charges, any expenses, applicable tax and the point at which further approval would be needed. Request a quotation for your proposed instruction.

Ask whether an initial stage could answer the most important question before wider work is considered. A useful stage has a defined task, budget and review point. Whether this is practical depends on the matter.

It should identify the question, authorised work, information supplied, exclusions, fees, expenses, reporting arrangements and any deadlines. It should also explain how changes are approved and what happens if the work is stopped.

Discuss a budget limit before work is agreed and ask how it will be recorded. Clarify whether the limit includes expenses and applicable tax, what happens when it is reached and who can authorise further work.

Do not assume that a particular enquiry qualifies. Ask whether a specific written arrangement is available and what “find” means, what is excluded and whether any initial fee or expenses remain payable. The agreed terms should govern the instruction.

An unsuccessful enquiry can still clarify which routes were checked and their limits. Review the findings against the original question before spending more. Ask what new information or different method would justify another stage.

Confidentiality should be discussed and documented, including who can receive information and any legal duties or lawful disclosures that may apply. Avoid relying on an absolute guarantee. Raise any particularly sensitive circumstances at the outset.

Start with an outline and ask PDC to agree the transfer method and authorised recipient before sending documents. Check any link or instruction through a trusted contact route. Do not send passwords, payment-card details or private account credentials.

Do not assume an investigator has a right to enter a private email, social-media, banking or other account. An instruction must have a lawful basis and use lawful methods. PDC should assess the purpose and proposed access before any work is agreed.

Explain a safe contact method, times to avoid and whether a voicemail or email subject line could create a problem. Ask for those arrangements to be confirmed. Use a contact channel you control and consider who else can see it.

Ask for the retention arrangements applicable to the proposed instruction, including reports, source material and backups. Retention may depend on the purpose and relevant duties. The published policy and agreed terms should accurately reflect the live systems and practices.

No. Public availability does not remove every privacy, data-protection or other legal consideration. Keep the purpose specific, use relevant information and avoid unnecessary collection or circulation. Seek advice where the proposed use is sensitive or consequential.

People tracing concerns locating or verifying a person for a legitimate purpose. Asset tracing concerns identifying and examining possible assets or financial connections within a defined scope. Neither automatically establishes legal ownership, recoverability or a right to contact someone.

No. Locating or verifying a debtor is different from enforcing a debt. Solvency, evidence of the debt, legal procedure and competing interests may affect recovery. Discuss the wider strategy with the appropriate legal adviser.

No. The scope, available sources, identity match and applicable restrictions limit what can be established. A useful brief identifies the decision you are making and the specific claims that need verification, rather than asking for everything about a person.

A public-register search is one starting point. A broader enquiry may examine the context of claims, relationships and other relevant sources within an agreed lawful scope. It should clearly distinguish verified facts, unresolved issues and limitations.

Not necessarily. The question may be answered through less intrusive work, or surveillance may be unsuitable. Explain the purpose and existing information so necessity, proportionality, practical limits and lawful methods can be assessed before a proposal is made.

No. Recovery depends on the device, application, settings, encryption, available copies and what has happened since deletion. Avoid installing recovery tools or changing a device before obtaining appropriate advice. Any assessment should explain uncertainty.

Identify the client or authorised instructing entity, matter reference, jurisdiction, question, deadline and reporting requirements. Explain conflicts or restrictions that need checking. Send a concise outline before transferring the full file.

No. Admissibility and evidential weight depend on the circumstances and applicable rules. Tell PDC about the intended use so the scope and record-keeping can be discussed with the responsible legal adviser.

Provide the proceeding and jurisdiction, correct document versions, recipient details, address confidence, deadline and relevant legal instructions. Agree the required evidence of service and what happens if an attempt is unsuccessful.

No. The applicable rules, document, method and any court order can affect the calculation. Have the deadline and permitted method confirmed by the responsible legal adviser. Flag urgency when making the first enquiry.

Not necessarily. A dated note in your own words is useful preparation, but a formal witness statement may require a specific format, statement of truth and other requirements. Keep direct recollection separate from information learned later.

Create an evidence index with stable references, neutral descriptions, dates, sources and the location of originals. Link those references to a chronology. Ask your solicitor about any formal disclosure or court-bundle requirements.

Use the communication route agreed with your PDC contact. Include your matter reference if you have one and explain what you need. Online client sign-in and document uploads are not available on this website.

Agree the recipient and transfer method with the person handling your matter before sending confidential documents. Check addresses and links carefully, and send only the material relevant to the agreed work.

Identify the proposed recipient and their role, then ask PDC to confirm their authority to receive information. Do not forward access details or confidential documents simply because someone works for the same organisation.

Verify it with PDC through a contact route you already trust before entering credentials or sending files. Do not rely on the phone number or reply address in the unexpected message.

Agree the frequency and method when defining the instruction. Some work suits scheduled updates; other work depends on an event or review point. Confirm who should receive updates and how an urgent issue should be raised.

Identify proposed recipients when the instruction is agreed. PDC should confirm authority and any limits before sharing case information. A family relationship, job title or access to a shared email account should not be treated as automatic permission.