Private Investigator in Mill Valley, CA — Surveillance Is Our Specialty
If you need a private investigator in Mill Valley, Bear Witness has been documenting the truth for California clients since 1996. Mill Valley is a city of about 14,000 people in Marin County. Surveillance is our specialty, and every case is handled by a licensed investigator — never a call center.
Our Mill Valley clients include individuals facing infidelity or a missing family member, parents in custody and support disputes, employers and insurers dealing with fraud, and law firms that need evidence and testimony. What they share is a need for discreet, lawful surveillance that holds up.
Why Surveillance Is at the Heart of Every Mill Valley Case
As a Mill Valley private investigator, surveillance is the core of what we do. We document activity legally, discreetly, and in a way that holds up in court.
Mobile Surveillance
Experienced drivers who anticipate turns and freeway exits, so your subject is documented from stop to stop.
Static Surveillance
Discreet observation of a home, workplace, or business from a lawful public vantage point, documenting who comes and goes.
Two-Investigator Teams
Team surveillance covers multiple exits and keeps a moving subject in sight in heavy Northern California traffic.
Every Mill Valley surveillance plan is built around where your subject actually lives, works, and spends time — not a generic template.
What Our Mill Valley Private Investigators Handle
Whatever the situation, the work comes down to documenting the facts lawfully and clearly.
Personal Cases
- Runaways & missing persons — locating family members and loved ones who have left or lost touch.
- Nanny & daycare surveillance — observing caregiver conduct and advising on what in-home recording is legal.
- Infidelity & cheating spouse — documenting where a partner goes and who they meet, without them knowing.
Family Law Cases
- Child visitation — observing whether visitation terms are being followed.
- Child custody — facts that help a court decide what is best for your child.
- Divorce investigations — facts and evidence your family law attorney can use.
- Lifestyle investigations — documenting spending, activities, and lifestyle relevant to support claims.
- Child support — identifying undisclosed work or income when support is in question.
- Cohabitation — documenting cohabitation that can affect spousal support under Family Code 4323.
Business Cases
- Injury claims — verifying the extent of claimed injuries through lawful observation.
- Employee theft — facts for Mill Valley employers before they confront anyone.
- Workers’ comp fraud — comparing a claimant’s real activity to reported restrictions.
- Insurance defense — surveillance and investigation for carriers and defense counsel.
- Business partner surveillance — answers before you sign or after trust breaks down.
Law Firm Cases
- Records research — the records behind the story.
- Evidence gathering — court-ready documentation for litigation.
- Surveillance — surveillance your client’s case can stand on.
- Evasive subpoena service — service on people who don’t want to be found.
- Witness statements — locating witnesses and taking their statements.
- Court testimony — our investigators testify to what they observed.
Why Mill Valley Clients Choose Bear Witness
Not every Mill Valley private investigator specializes in surveillance. Here is what makes Bear Witness different.
Surveillance Specialists
Surveillance has been our focus since 1996. It is not a side service — it is what we do best.
Licensed & Veteran-Owned
A veteran-owned firm licensed by the California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.
Honest Results
We report what we observed — no stretching thin evidence to justify a case.
Statewide Coverage
From Mill Valley to the rest of California, we follow subjects wherever the case leads.
Direct Access to Your Investigator
One investigator from your first call to your final report, with updates along the way.
Available 24/7
Nights, weekends, holidays — we work when your subject is active.
What Our Clients Say
Real reviews from Bear Witness clients across California.
“Wow. Outstanding job! I really did get lucky when I picked you guys. I don’t think any other private investigator could have handled my case better than you did. Very on top of your game, from start to finish. Excellent work!”
“I hired your detective agency to do a surveillance investigation in Orange County for a personal issue. I found your company to be professional & very helpful. Thank you for the updates, insight, and information you provided. You guys did a good job and I will recommend your private investigator company to others.”
“Thanks for the great investigation. This was my first time hiring a private investigator and you guys really made it a positive experience. The surveillance video and information your company obtained really helped me out in making a tough decision. I appreciate all your hard work and personal attention.”
Names and/or locations altered for client privacy. Read more client reviews →
Mill Valley Cases and the Marin County Courts
Mill Valley sits roughly 5 miles from San Rafael, the Marin County seat, where the main Superior Court of California, County of Marin facilities are located.
Divorce, custody, support, and civil cases involving Mill Valley residents are generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Marin. We document every case with that courtroom in mind: dated, time-stamped, gathered legally, and backed by testimony if needed.
Also Serving Near Mill Valley
If your subject lives in Mill Valley but works or travels elsewhere, that’s routine. Nearby areas include:
Straight-line distances from Mill Valley.
Working With a Mill Valley Private Investigator, Step by Step
- 1
Free Consultation
Tell a licensed investigator what you know and what you need confirmed. Completely confidential.
- 2
Plan & Estimate
We build a plan around your subject’s routine in Mill Valley and give you a written estimate before any work begins.
- 3
Surveillance
Your investigator documents activity with time-stamped video and keeps you updated.
- 4
Report & Evidence
You receive a clear written report, photos, and video — plus testimony if needed.
Questions About Hiring a Private Investigator in Mill Valley
Do you also cover Kentfield and Larkspur?
Yes. Kentfield is about 2 miles from Mill Valley and Larkspur about 2 miles, and both are part of our regular coverage in Northern California.
How far is Mill Valley from the Marin County courthouse?
Mill Valley is roughly 5 miles (straight-line) from San Rafael, the Marin County seat, where the main Superior Court of California, County of Marin facilities are. Some matters are heard at branch courthouses; your attorney can confirm the location.
What does a private investigator in Mill Valley do?
We document facts for personal, family law, business, and legal cases — most often through surveillance, along with background research, people location, witness statements, and process serving.
Do you specialize in surveillance?
Yes. Surveillance has been Bear Witness’s specialty since 1996, and it is part of nearly every case we handle in Mill Valley and across California.
Do I need to meet in person?
No. Most Mill Valley clients handle everything by phone, from the first call to the final report.
How quickly can a Mill Valley case start?
Most cases begin within a day or two of your first call, once we agree on a plan.
How do I verify your license?
Look up PI License #18755 on the California Department of Consumer Affairs license search.
What if the investigation finds nothing?
You get an honest report that says so. A clean result still answers the question.
Is surveillance legal in Mill Valley?
Yes, when done correctly. California allows observation in public places where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. Our investigators do not trespass, use hidden vehicle trackers, or record private conversations.
Every case starts with a free, confidential consultation. Call 1(877)PROOF-24/7 to speak with a licensed investigator about your Mill Valley case.