Domestic Polygraph Examinations
Professional Investigation of Interpersonal Disputes.
Domestic polygraph examinations address specific issues involving the credibility of statements regarding interpersonal behaviour between spouses, live-in partners, non-domiciled marital or intimate partners, children, parents, and extended family members.
At the Centre for Forensic Neuroscience, we handle these deeply personal matters with the highest level of professionalism, objectivity, and discretion.
Investigating Interpersonal Disputes
The purpose of this process is to investigate a specific disputed incident, not to address generalised suspicions or doubts. It requires clear boundaries and a structured approach to ensure the well-being of all parties involved.
All domestic polygraph examinations conducted by this organisation are investigatory in nature. Results are based on the interpretation of physiological data and are intended to assist, not replace, the judgement of the individuals involved. Findings should always be considered alongside other available information before any decisions are made.
Investigating Disputed Incidents
Investigating Specific Incidents, Not Suspicions
Our examinations are designed to investigate specific, isolated disputed incidents. Whether addressing concerns within intimate relationships or complex family dynamics, our protocol ensures the assessment remains structured, impartial, and conducted in accordance with recognised professional standards. We routinely address:
Spousal / Partner Issues
Investigating specific disputed incidents between married, live-in, or intimate partners.
Family Disputes
Addressing severe issues involving children, parents, extended, and blended family members.
Fidelity & Trust
Investigating specific allegations of infidelity or breaches of trust where a clearly defined dispute exists.
Disputed Allegations
Providing a structured process to investigate specific allegations within an intimate or domestic setting where a dispute exists.
Not Sure Whether Your Concern Is Suitable for a Polygraph?
Relationship concerns do not always begin with a single, clearly defined incident. Where the concern involves broader uncertainty, recurring suspicions or difficulty identifying what should be examined, you may begin with our private Relationship Trust and Credibility Assessment.
This structured assessment helps clarify the nature of the concern, identify possible safeguarding or suitability issues, and consider whether the matter can be reduced to a fair and scientifically testable question. Completing the assessment does not commit either person to a polygraph examination.
A structured relationship assessment—not an automatic route to a polygraph examination.
How It Works
Two Distinct Entry Routes Converging into a Structured Process
Route A — A Specific Incident Is Already Disputed
Where both parties understand the precise incident or behaviour in dispute, submit a confidential enquiry for professional review.
Route B — The Concern Is Broader or Difficult to Define
Where the concern involves recurring suspicions, several possible issues or uncertainty about what could properly be examined, begin with the private Relationship Trust and Credibility Assessment.
Shared Process Following Initial Review
Professional Case Review
The background, purpose and proposed use of the examination are reviewed.
Suitability and Safeguarding
Consent, voluntariness, emotional risk, communication needs and relevant medical or psychological factors are considered.
Question Formulation
Where the matter is suitable, the disputed issue is reduced to a clear and scientifically testable question or small number of related questions.
Examination and Findings
A polygraph examination proceeds only where professionally appropriate. Findings are explained within their proper investigative context and should not be treated as definitive proof.
Our Compassionate, Professional Approach
We prioritise the emotional health and privacy of the individuals we assess.
Counselling Recommended
Given the emotionally charged nature of these examinations, we strongly recommend that all participants actively engage in professional counselling alongside the process.
Investigatory Focus
Results provide an interpretation of physiological data to assist your judgement. They should be considered alongside other available information and should not be relied upon in isolation when making significant decisions.
Strict Confidentiality
Your privacy is fundamental to our practice. Information obtained during the polygraph process is treated as confidential and handled with discretion and respect for all parties. Examination findings and related information are disclosed only to authorised recipients, such as the instructing client or legal representative, unless otherwise required by law or with the informed consent of the examinee.
Who Can Instruct an Examination
Individuals
Either party to a dispute may enquire about an examination. The person to be examined must participate voluntarily and provide informed consent independently.
Legal Representatives
Solicitors and barristers may instruct an examination on behalf of their client. All instructions are subject to our standard suitability assessment and safeguarding review.
All examinations require the examinee’s voluntary, informed consent. We will not proceed where there is any indication of coercion or undue pressure.
Professional Standards & Credentials
All examinations are conducted in accordance with recognised professional standards and ethical guidelines, ensuring scientific rigour and procedural integrity.
Important Safeguarding Information
A polygraph examination must be undertaken voluntarily. We will not proceed with an examination where there is any indication that a participant is being coerced, pressured, intimidated, or otherwise compelled to attend by another person.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, controlling behaviour, or fear of retaliation, a polygraph examination may not be appropriate and could increase risk. In such circumstances, we may decline to conduct an examination.
We reserve the right to refuse or discontinue any examination where safeguarding concerns are identified, either before or during the process.
If you are in immediate danger, please contact the police on 999. For confidential support, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (24-hour freephone).
Understanding Polygraph Examinations
Polygraph examinations are investigative tools that measure and interpret physiological responses. They do not independently establish facts, determine truth, or confirm the accuracy of any account.
Examination findings should be interpreted as one source of information alongside other available evidence. No significant legal, family, relationship, employment, or safeguarding decision should be made solely on the basis of polygraph results.
Polygraph evidence is not generally admissible in UK criminal or civil courts. Any reference to examination outcomes in legal proceedings is subject to the rules and discretion of the relevant court or tribunal.
The Centre for Forensic Neuroscience conducts all examinations in accordance with recognised professional standards and ethical guidelines. Our examiners assess physiological responses — they do not determine guilt, innocence, or the truthfulness of any individual.
If you are unsure whether your concern is suitable for examination, you may find our free Relationship Trust Assessment helpful as a first step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about domestic polygraph examinations.
What is a domestic polygraph examination?
Can a polygraph test be used for relationship suspicions?
What should I understand about the nature of domestic polygraph results?
Do you recommend counselling alongside the polygraph?
Is the domestic polygraph process confidential?
A relationship concern does not automatically lead to a polygraph examination. Where the issue is unclear, our structured assessment helps clarify suitability and safeguarding before any testing is considered.
Need to Investigate a Disputed Incident?
Confidential Consultation & Case Review
Contact the Centre for Forensic Neuroscience to speak with chartered investigative psychologist Dr Keith Ashcroft and discuss whether a domestic polygraph examination is appropriate and safe for your situation.
Every consultation is private, respectful, and conducted without obligation.