Relationship & Infidelity Testing
By some margin the most common reason people call us. One partner has been accused, or has admitted part of something and is not believed, and the relationship has reached a point where talking about it in circles is no longer getting anyone anywhere. A properly run examination gives you one clear answer to one clear question.
The single most important part of this examination happens before any sensor is attached. We agree the exact questions with you in advance, in writing, and we agree them with both people where both are involved. A vague question produces a worthless result. “Have you ever been unfaithful” is close to meaningless, because two people rarely mean the same thing by it. “Since January of this year, have you had sexual contact with anyone other than Sarah” is a question a polygraph can actually address.
We will not test on questions we think are unanswerable, and we will say so before you have paid rather than after. If what is really being asked is whether someone still has feelings for a person, or whether they intend to be faithful in future, a polygraph is the wrong instrument — feelings and intentions are not events, and the examination measures reactions to questions about events. Occasionally the honest advice is that an examination will not help you, and you will get that advice.
How the appointment runs
Only the person being examined is in the room during the test itself. A partner who has come along waits outside. This is not a formality: an audience changes the physiology being measured, and an examination conducted in front of an accusing partner is not a valid one. The results are given to the examinee first, and released to anyone else only with their agreement.
Expect two to three hours. Around half of that is the pre-test interview, which is where the questions are finalised, the instrument is explained, and any medication or health issue that could affect the recording is discussed. The data collection itself is comparatively short.
What we will not do
We do not run examinations where one partner has clearly been pressured into attending, and we will end an appointment if that becomes apparent. We do not test anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. And we do not accept instructions that are really about controlling someone rather than resolving a question — repeat “monitoring” testing of a partner falls into this category and we decline it.
What this covers
- Single-issue examinations on a specific, agreed event or period
- Questions written and agreed with you before the appointment
- Both partners consulted where both are involved
- Written report issued the same day or next working day
- Results released to the examinee first
Discuss this before you book
Tell us what you need answered and we will tell you honestly whether this is the right examination for it.
Other services
Criminal Defense & Specific Issue
Single-issue examinations for people facing an allegation, usually instructed by counsel.
Attorney & Legal Instructions
Examinations instructed by counsel in criminal, family and civil matters.
Family & Adolescent Matters
Carefully handled examinations in family disputes, including older teenagers.