FAQ Type: Background Investigations

What is the process for conducting a Background Investigation with your firm?

The process begins by contacting On The Mark Investigations at 678-975-4545 for a free, confidential consultation. During this conversation, you can explain why you need the Background Investigation, what information you already have, and what specific questions you would like the investigation to address.

Providing accurate identifying information is important. Depending on the assignment, useful details may include the subject’s full name, date of birth when lawfully available, known addresses, employer information, previous locations, and other identifying details. Our team can then determine the appropriate scope of research and which lawful information sources may be relevant.

Once the investigation begins, our investigators research and verify available information based on the agreed scope. Findings are then organized and communicated to you in an appropriate format.

Every case is different, so the investigative process may vary. Throughout the assignment, On The Mark Investigations emphasizes accuracy, confidentiality, professionalism, and compliance with applicable laws.

Can On The Mark Investigations handle Background Investigations alongside other services?

Yes. On The Mark Investigations can combine Background Investigations with other investigative and legal-support services when a case requires a broader approach. Depending on your circumstances, a background investigation may complement Divorce Investigations, Surveillance, Process Serving, Infidelity Investigations, or other services offered by our investigative team.

For example, background research may identify addresses, employment information, court records, or other details that can help investigators plan subsequent investigative work. A divorce or infidelity matter may require both background research and surveillance, while locating an individual for process service may involve additional investigative research when the available address is outdated.

Combining appropriate services can provide a more complete picture than relying on a single investigative method. However, the exact approach depends on your objectives and the legal limitations that apply to the information being sought.

During your confidential consultation, our team can review your circumstances and determine which combination of investigative services may be appropriate and efficient for your needs.

Can information collected be used in legal proceedings?

Information collected during a background investigation may potentially be useful in legal proceedings when it is obtained lawfully, relevant to the matter, and appropriately documented. Examples may include public court records, verified documents, business records that are legally accessible, documented research findings, and other information gathered through permitted investigative methods.

However, information being useful to an attorney is not necessarily the same as it being admissible as evidence in court. Courts apply specific rules regarding relevance, authenticity, hearsay, reliability, and other evidentiary issues. The admissibility of any particular record or investigative finding therefore depends on the jurisdiction, type of proceeding, source of the information, and circumstances in which it was obtained.

On The Mark Investigations focuses on gathering information through lawful methods and maintaining organized documentation of relevant findings. If your background investigation relates to existing or anticipated litigation, you should discuss the results with your attorney, who can determine how the information may appropriately support your case.

What distinguishes a professional background investigation from a personal one?

A professional background investigation generally focuses on information relevant to employment, business relationships, credentials, qualifications, or organizational risk. Depending on the lawful purpose, it may involve verification of employment history, education, professional licenses, court records, business affiliations, identity information, and other relevant records. Certain professional background checks may also be subject to specific consent, disclosure, or consumer-reporting requirements.

A personal background investigation usually addresses concerns arising from an individual relationship or private matter. For example, someone may want to verify another person’s identity, address history, public court history, or other legally available information before entering an important relationship or arrangement.

Although the objectives differ, both types of investigations require accuracy, discretion, and legal compliance. On The Mark Investigations tailors the scope of the investigation to the client’s legitimate needs. Our investigators determine which lawful records and investigative methods are appropriate while avoiding unauthorized access to protected or private information.

Why should I hire On The Mark Investigations for a background check?

On The Mark Investigations brings professional investigative experience, licensed investigators, confidentiality, and access to lawful research methods to background investigations throughout Georgia. A professional investigation can go beyond a basic internet search by verifying information across appropriate records and identifying inconsistencies that may require additional research.

Our background investigations are tailored to the client’s objectives rather than relying on the same checklist for every situation. Depending on your needs, the investigation may involve criminal and court records, employment or education verification, identity and address research, references, online information, or other legally available records.

Accuracy is especially important because incomplete, outdated, or incorrectly matched information can lead to poor decisions. Our investigators work to verify relevant findings and clearly document the information developed during the investigation.

Whether your concerns involve a personal relationship, business arrangement, legal matter, or another legitimate purpose, our team approaches each background investigation with professionalism, discretion, and attention to applicable laws.

Will the investigated person know they are being checked?

Whether a person will know they are the subject of a background investigation depends on the purpose of the investigation, the information being requested, and applicable legal requirements. Some types of research can involve publicly available records and information that may be reviewed without directly contacting the subject. Other types of background screening may legally require the individual’s knowledge, authorization, or consent.

Employment-related background checks, for example, can be subject to federal and state requirements concerning disclosure, authorization, consumer reports, and how information is used. Access to certain financial, credit, educational, medical, or other protected records may also be restricted or require specific authorization.

For this reason, professional investigators should determine which methods and information sources are legally appropriate for each assignment rather than assuming every background check can be conducted secretly.

On The Mark Investigations conducts background investigations discreetly while respecting applicable privacy and disclosure requirements. During your consultation, we can discuss the investigation’s purpose and the appropriate lawful approach.

How long does a background investigation take?

The time required to complete a background investigation depends on its scope, complexity, and the types of information that need to be verified. A relatively straightforward investigation involving a limited number of records may be completed within several days, while a more comprehensive investigation involving multiple jurisdictions, employment verification, education records, court searches, or other detailed research may take longer.

Turnaround time can also depend on how quickly records are available. Some information can be accessed efficiently through lawful databases or public sources, while other records may require requests to courts, institutions, employers, or other organizations. Cases involving common names, multiple previous addresses, or activity across several states may require additional verification.

During your confidential consultation, On The Mark Investigations can review the objectives of your background investigation and provide a more realistic estimate based on the work involved. Our focus is on delivering timely results without sacrificing accuracy, thoroughness, confidentiality, or legal compliance.

Are your background investigations legal and admissible in court?

On The Mark Investigations conducts background investigations using lawful investigative methods and information sources. Our investigators are licensed and insured and work within applicable Georgia and federal requirements when researching, verifying, and documenting information. Depending on the investigation, findings may include public records, court records, verified documents, research results, and other legally obtained information.

When an investigation is connected to litigation, careful documentation is particularly important. Investigators may record where information was obtained, relevant dates, and other details that help establish the context and reliability of the findings.

However, whether particular evidence is admissible in court is ultimately determined by the applicable rules of evidence, the judge, and the circumstances of the case. No investigator can guarantee that every piece of collected information will be admitted.

Our role is to gather and document information professionally and lawfully so that clients and their attorneys can evaluate whether and how the findings may be used.

Who uses background investigations?

Background investigations can be useful for individuals, attorneys, employers, businesses, and other organizations that need to verify information before making important decisions. Employers may use appropriate background screening to confirm a candidate’s employment history, education, professional credentials, or other relevant information, subject to applicable employment and consumer-reporting laws.

Businesses may request background investigations when evaluating potential partners, executives, contractors, vendors, or other professional relationships. Attorneys may use investigative services to gather relevant information for civil, family, or other legal matters. Individuals may also seek background information when entering a significant personal relationship or dealing with circumstances in which someone’s history or identity raises legitimate concerns.

The scope of a background investigation should match its purpose and comply with applicable legal requirements. On The Mark Investigations works with clients to understand what information they need and determine which lawful investigative methods and records may be appropriate for their particular situation.

What is a background investigation, and what does it typically include?

A background investigation is a detailed review of an individual’s history designed to verify information and uncover relevant facts that may not be immediately available. Depending on the purpose of the investigation, it may include searches of criminal and court records, employment history, education and professional credentials, identity and address information, references, financial or credit-related information when legally permitted, and publicly available online activity.

Background investigations can be customized for personal, professional, legal, or business needs. For example, an employer may need to verify a candidate’s qualifications, while an individual may want additional information before entering a personal relationship or business arrangement.

On The Mark Investigations uses lawful data sources and professional investigative methods to obtain and verify information. Our goal is to provide accurate, relevant, and clearly documented findings while maintaining confidentiality and complying with applicable laws governing access to and use of personal information.