RETAINER &
FEE INFORMATION.
Retainer.
Motley Investigations operates on a transparent, professional basis. Our investigative services are billed against a pre-paid retainer, which can range anywhere from $500 to $5,000, depending on the nature and complexity of the investigation. Investigative work will commence upon receipt of retainer and a signed service agreement. While most of the retainer is refundable if unused, a non-refundable case initiation (set-up) fee of $150 will be applied to all new case files. This fee covers the cost of file creation, the initial review of evidence, and initial database searches.
As we perform investigative tasks—such as surveillance, background research, or witness interviews—our hourly rates along with actual expenses (including, but not limited to, travel, lodging, mileage, toll, parking, database fees, and third-party services) are billed against this deposit. You will receive an itemized statement detailing every action taken on your behalf. Should your case require more time than initially estimated, we will request a retainer replenishment to continue our efforts without interruption. Please keep in mind that all work will cease once the retainer is depleted unless a replenishing payment is received. Upon completion of the investigation and the delivery of the final report, we will perform a final audit and any remaining balance (less the $150 initiation fee) will be returned to you via your original payment method, usually within 7-14 business days.
Standard Fees.
Tier 1 — Basic Locate "No find, No Fee"
Best For: Finding a witness or an old friend who isn't trying to stay hidden.
$50 - $200
Automated database pulls focusing on standard address/phone information. Includes the utilization of proprietary databases. Typical turnaround 24-48 hours.
Tier 2 — Advanced Verified Search
Best For: Debt collection or routine legal service where the address on file is expired.
$200 - $750
Investigator-Led research with primary focus on difficult to locate subjects. Includes the utilization of proprietary databases, a basic social media profile scan, and optional MVR/DMV records (optional). Typical turnaround 3-7 business days.
Tier 3 — Deep Skip Evasive
Best For: High-stakes fraud, criminal defendants, or deadbeat parents hiding their income/location.
$800 - $2,250+
Field Work & Interviews focusing on locating evasive or "off the grid" subjects. Includes the utilization of proprietary databases, a comprehensive social media activity analysis, MVR/DMV records, associate interviews/networking, and onsite verification (surveillance/visits). Typical turnaround 7-10+ business days.
[Skip Tracing Disclaimer: Federal laws state that skip tracing can only performed for legitimate legal or business needs. While Motley Investigations uses premier databases to conduct research, the data is only as accurate as the third-party reporting agencies and requires verification by the investigator.]
Tier 1 — Routine
First attempt performed within 3-5 business days. Includes 3-4 attempts, an affidavit of service, optional notarization, and standard status updates.
Tier 2 — Rush
First attempt performed within 24-48 hours. Includes 3-4 attempts, an affidavit of service, notarization, and real-time/priority status updates.
Tier 3 — Same Day (Emergency)
Field Work & Interviews focusing on locating evasive or "off the grid" subjects. This service includes proprietary database pulls, a comprehensive social media activity analysis, MVR/DMV records, associate interviews/networking, and onsite verification (surveillance/visits). Typical turnaround 7-10+ business days.
Tier 1 — Basic (Local)
Oregon Statewide record check, includes identity/SSN trace & search of Oregon Judicial Information Network (OJIN). Typical turnaround 1-2 business days.
Tier 2 — Standard (National)
Broad legal/Identity History, includes identity/SSN trace & search of Oregon Judicial Information Network (OJIN), multi-state (3+) National criminal search, Oregon DMV records (optional). Typical turnaround 1-2 business days.
Tier 3 — Premium (Due Diligence)
Deep financial and personal vetting, includes identity/SSN trace & search of Oregon Judicial Information Network (OJIN), National & Federal criminal search, full Motor Vehicle Record history, judgments & bankruptcies, reference or associate interviews & asset discovery (property & business search). Typical turnaround 7+ business days.
Tier 1 — Basic Local
Search focuses on "Oregon only" Real Estate records for current deeds, DMV records for any vehicles/boats, Secretary of State records to identify business ties, and a search for judgments/liens. Turnaround time is typically 2-3 business days.
Tier 2 — Comprehensive All 50 States
Property search for National Real Estate records, national DMV records search for vehicle/boat registration, corporate records search for National business ties, search of National civil records for any judgments/liens, and a search of brokerage records for any hidden accounts. Turnaround time is typically 5-10 business days.
Tier 3 — Deep Dive Forensic
Search includes National and basic offshore historical Real Estate, full motor vehicle records (MVR) including aircrafts, affiliate & LLC deep dive, a detailed debt analysis of all judgments/liens, and a **full financial profile of bank/brokerage accounts. Turnaround time can be up to 14+ days.
$70 - $100
$125 - $250
$200 - $400+
$75 - $225
$150 - $550
$600 - $2,250+
$250- $450
$550 - $1,150
$1,300 - $3,000+
*Finding an asset does not guarantee successful seizure or liquidity. That involves legal processes and should be discussed with an attorney.
Real Estate values provided are often based on market estimates or tax assessments and may not reflect the actual equity available after mortgages/liens.
(4-hour minimum)
Tier 1 — Basic Spot Check
Includes 1 investigator, video/photo, verbal or text progress updates throughout the surveillance block, and a summary report provided shortly after completion of surveillance.
$300 - $380
Tier 2 — Standard Day
8-10 hour (full day) includes 1 investigator, HD video/photo, verbal or text progress updates throughout the surveillance block, and a detailed chronology report delivered within 24-48 hours after completion of surveillance.
$800 - $1,500
Tier 3 — Complex Multi-Day
3+ Days or 24/7 coverage includes 2+ investigators, HD video/photo (multiple angles/static cam, verbal or text progress updates throughout the surveillance, and a comprehensive case report including all logs, media, and evidence typically delivered within 3–10 business days after the case objectives are met.
$2,500 - $5,000+
[Expedited or same-day reporting is available for legal or safety critical situations for an additional fee.]
[Disclaimer: Surveillance is conducted only in places where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy (public streets, parks, business fronts). All surveillance is conducted by Oregon licenses and insured professionals. In accordance with (ORS 163.715), investigators cannot place a tracker on a vehicle without the owner’s consent or a specific legal exception.]
Investigative Packages Fees.
Starting around $400 - $1,500+
Tier 1 — Basic
Includes standard database skip trace sourcing the most current address of record, 3-4 standard service attempts at one location, first service attempt within 3-5 days, an affidavit of service and standard updates.
$400 - $650
Add-on Surveillance:
Includes 4-hour "Drive-by" verification, confirming residency, active employment, and identifying primary vehicles & surveillance summary report. Additional cost starting at $500.
Tier 2 — Priority
Includes advanced skip trace utilizing proprietary databases, a basic social media profile scan, 3 service attempts, first attempt within 24-48 hours, affidavit of service, notary services, and real-time priority updates.
$600 - $900
Add-on Surveillance:
Includes 1-2 day mobile follow, focusing on daily routines, hobbies, etc., to identify any hidden assets not in the subjects name, and comprehensive surveillance report.
Surveillance covers 8-16 hours of field time plus mileage.
Additional cost starting at $1,700.
Tier 3 — Hard -To-Serve
Includes deep dive skip tracing for elusive subjects utilizing proprietary databases with investigator-led analysis, comprehensive social media profile scan, MVR/DMV records, interviewing neighbors, contacting known associates, onsite verification (4 hrs of surveillance/visits), Typical turnaround 7-10+ business days.
$900 - $1,500+
Starting around $150 - $5,500+
Best for routine background checks or low-to-mid stakes contracts. Turnaround time is typically 24-72 hours.
Tier 1 — The Essentials
$150 - $500
Includes National criminal & sex offender search, employment & education verification, basic credit overview (where legally permitted), current address history & known aliases. Utilizes high-speed database queries and basic public record verification.
Add-on Surveillance:
Includes 4-hour "Drive-by" verification, confirming residency, active employment, and identifying primary vehicles & surveillance summary report. Additional cost starting at $500.
Tier 2 — Asset & Liability Deep Dive
$500 - $2,000
Best for determining if a subject is "judgment proof" before filing a lawsuit. Turnaround time is typically 1-2 weeks.
Includes everything in "Tier 1", Real Estate ownership and property liens, vehicle, aircraft, and watercraft registrations, UCC filings and corporate affiliations, and Civil litigation history. Covers specialized nationwide asset searches and comprehensive background investigations.
Add-on Surveillance:
Includes 1-2 day mobile follow, focusing on daily routines, hobbies, etc., to identify any hidden assets not in the subjects name, and comprehensive surveillance report.
Surveillance covers 8-16 hours of field time plus mileage.
Additional cost starting at $1,700.
Best for M&A, high-value partnerships, or high-net-worth vetting. Turnaround time is typically 3-4 weeks.
Tier 3 — Executive Intelligence
$2,000 - $5,000+
Includes everything in "Tier 1 & 2", high-stakes due diligence involving manual verification of records, deep-web analysis, and professional source interviews, international criminal & sanctions list search, adverse media and "deep web" reputation analysis, regulatory/disciplinary history (FINRA, SEC, etc.), offshore entity discovery or hidden business interests, and (**full financial profile of bank/brokerage accounts).
Starting around $2,250 - $9,000+
Tier 1 — Lifestyle & Activity Verification
Best for verifying daily routines or confirming general suspicions in family law cases. Turnaround time is typically 1-2 weeks.
$2,250 - $3,500
Includes15–20 hours of professional field surveillance, "the essentials" background check (criminal, address history, and aliases, high-quality video evidence of activity, a detailed daily activity log, and a standard investigator's report.
Tier 2 — Comprehensive Proof
$4,000 - $6,500
Best for fraud investigations or high-stakes domestic litigation requiring court-admissible evidence. Turnaround time is typically 2-3 weeks.
Includes 30–40 hours of professional field surveillance (including nights/weekends), "Asset & Liability" Deep Dive"(property, vehicles, UCC filings, and civil litigation), Professionally edited video evidence package, comprehensive lifestyle profile, and a report specifically formatted for legal testimony and court submission.
Tier 3 — Elite 360° Counter-Intelligence
The ultimate investigative solution for complex fraud, hidden lifestyles, or high-net-worth disputes. Turnaround time is typically 3-5 weeks.
$7,000 - $9,000+
Includes extended/unlimited surveillance hours with multi-investigator teams for seamless tracking, "Executive Intelligence" tier (**full financial profile of bank/brokerage accounts), deep-web analysis, and international search), and a full 360-degree financial and lifestyle footprint report, verified asset recovery roadmap, and priority access to investigators for legal depositions.
Additional Information Re: Fees & Expenses.
Skip Trace (People Locate)
People locates are charged at a flat rate ranging between $50 - $750 depending on the complexity.
With Permission locates require consent from the subject to provide information and are an additional $50.
Urgent "Rush" skip traces are an additional $50 - $100.
Background Checks​
Background checks are charged at a flat rate ranging between $75 - $550 per hour depending on the complexity of the investigation.
Service of Process
Rush/Emergency Service add a Flat Fee of $100 to the base fee.
Additional entities served at same location are charged between $25 - $50 per entity.
Mandatory mailings for Substitute Service & Notary Fees add an additional charge between $15 - $25.
Surveillance (4 Hour Minimum)
Standard: rates range between $75 - $95/hr.
Specialized: rates range between $100 - $300+/hr.
Court Appearance
Expert testimony fee ranges from $100 - $300 per hour depending on the complexity of the investigation, with a 1 hour minimum.
Mileage Rates
For 2026, the standard IRS business mileage rate is charged at $0.725 per mile.
** Note: Bank searches are subject to strict GLBA compliance and usually indicate the "presence of" accounts rather than exact balances.