Private Investigator in Novato, CA — Surveillance Is Our Specialty
Bear Witness is the private investigator in Novato that families, attorneys, and businesses call when they need facts, not guesses. Novato is a city of about 53,000 people in Marin County. We are a veteran-owned, California-licensed firm (PI #18755), and surveillance is what we do best.
Whether you suspect a cheating spouse, need evidence for a custody or support case, are dealing with a questionable workers’ compensation claim, or represent a client who needs court-ready surveillance, our Novato investigators plan each case around the subject’s real routine and document it with time-stamped video.
Novato Surveillance Investigations: Our Specialty
As a Novato 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
We follow the subject by vehicle through Novato and beyond, keeping distance and cover so they never know we are there.
Static Surveillance
We hold position at the locations that matter to your case and record activity with time-stamped video.
Two-Investigator Teams
Team surveillance covers multiple exits and keeps a moving subject in sight in heavy Northern California traffic.
Like much of Marin County, Novato mixes residential neighborhoods with busy commercial corridors. We combine discreet residential positioning with mobile coverage on the roads in between.
Cases Our Novato Private Investigators Take On
Whatever the situation, the work comes down to documenting the facts lawfully and clearly.
Personal Cases
- Infidelity & cheating spouse — a clear, factual answer for Novato clients who suspect a partner.
- Nanny & daycare surveillance — observing caregiver conduct and advising on what in-home recording is legal.
- Runaways & missing persons — locating family members and loved ones who have left or lost touch.
Family Law Cases
- Cohabitation — proof of a live-in partner when spousal support is at stake.
- Child custody — parenting-time compliance, home conditions, and welfare concerns.
- Child support — uncovering unreported work that affects support.
- Divorce investigations — documentation that supports your attorney’s strategy.
- Lifestyle investigations — documenting spending, activities, and lifestyle relevant to support claims.
- Child visitation — a factual record of exchanges and visits.
Business Cases
- Business partner surveillance — verifying what a partner or associate is really doing.
- Employee theft — facts for Novato employers before they confront anyone.
- Workers’ comp fraud — comparing a claimant’s real activity to reported restrictions.
- Insurance defense — field work that supports a strong defense.
- Injury claims — showing what a claimant can really do.
Law Firm Cases
- Evasive subpoena service — serving witnesses and parties who are avoiding service.
- Court testimony — investigator testimony in California courts when needed.
- Evidence gathering — court-ready documentation for litigation.
- Surveillance — surveillance your client’s case can stand on.
- Witness statements — finding and interviewing the people who saw what happened.
- Records research — public and court records research to support your case.
The Bear Witness Difference in Novato
Choosing a private investigator in Novato comes down to experience, discretion, and evidence that holds up.
Direct Access to Your Investigator
One investigator from your first call to your final report, with updates along the way.
Surveillance Specialists
Surveillance has been our focus since 1996. It is not a side service — it is what we do best.
Absolute Discretion
Your case is never discussed with anyone outside the firm, and the subject never knows we were there.
Available 24/7
Nights, weekends, holidays — we work when your subject is active.
Statewide Coverage
Coverage across Southern, Northern, and Central California, including all of Marin County.
Honest Results
If nothing is going on, we tell you. A clear answer is the goal, not more billable hours.
What Our Clients Say
Real reviews from Bear Witness clients across California.
“Of all the private investigators I have used, the Bear Witness Detective Agency has proven to be the only investigation company I can completely rely on and trust. When I need smart surveillance investigators who get the job done right, they are always at the very top of my call list.”
“Excellent communication, insight, and follow-through skills. Very impressed with your surveillance video. Excellent work. Thank you! Will refer to friends in need.”
“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!”
Names and/or locations altered for client privacy. Read more client reviews →
Novato Cases and the Marin County Courts
Novato sits roughly 8 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 Novato 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 Novato
Cases rarely stay inside one city limit. From Novato, we regularly work:
Straight-line distances from Novato.
How Hiring a Private Investigator in Novato Works
- 1
Call Us
A short, private conversation about your situation, with no obligation.
- 2
Strategy
We decide when and where surveillance in and around Novato is most likely to answer your question.
- 3
Fieldwork
One investigator handles your case from start to finish.
- 4
Results
Documented findings in plain language — including a clear “nothing found” when that is the truth.
Questions About Hiring a Private Investigator in Novato
Do you also cover Fairfax and San Anselmo?
Yes. Fairfax is about 7 miles from Novato and San Anselmo about 7 miles, and both are part of our regular coverage in Northern California.
How far is Novato from the Marin County courthouse?
Novato is roughly 8 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 Novato 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 Novato and across California.
Can you catch a cheating spouse in Novato?
We can document what your spouse actually does and who they meet, with time-stamped video and a written report, and give you a clear answer either way.
How do I verify your license?
Look up PI License #18755 on the California Department of Consumer Affairs license search.
Can you document cohabitation for a spousal support case?
Yes. Under California Family Code section 4323, a supported spouse living with a partner can create a presumption of decreased need for support. We document cohabitation for you and your attorney.
Can you serve someone who is avoiding service?
Yes. We locate the person first, then time service attempts around when they are actually there, and document service for the court.
How is a Novato investigation priced?
Surveillance is billed by time. After a free consultation, you get a written estimate before any billable work begins.
Ready to talk to a private investigator in Novato? Call 1(877)PROOF-24/7 for a free, confidential consultation.