Forensic examination of signatures and documents
When what is at stake is not a collector's item but a contract, a will, a cheque or a receipt, what you need is a forensic handwriting report: a full study with a stated methodology, comparison with known specimens and reasoned conclusions.
Cases I examine
- Questioned signatures on contracts, loans and private documents.
- Holographic wills and handwritten documents.
- Cheques, promissory notes, receipts and authorisations.
- Anonymous letters and writings of unknown authorship.
- Alterations, additions and amendments to documents.
How I work
- Preliminary study of the case and the material available.
- Collection of known specimens: signatures or writings of undisputed authorship, in sufficient quantity and quality.
- Examination and comparison of the graphic features with technical equipment.
- Report setting out the purpose, material, methodology, analysis, conclusions and limitations.
Certificate or expert report: which do I need?
| VS Certificate | Expert report | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Selling, buying, insuring or documenting an item | Resolving a dispute over a signature or document |
| Length | Short, with a verifiable number | Full study with methodology and comparison |
| Material | The item and published references | The questioned document and known specimens from the case |
| Price | From €75 | Tailored quote |
Not sure whether you need a certificate or an expert report? Read certificate of authenticity or expert report: which one do I need?
My forensic work is currently out of court: I prepare reports commissioned by one party to negotiate, make a claim or assess a case. If the matter may end up in court, I explain from the outset what additional requirements apply.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to commission a forensic handwriting examination?
The document bearing the questioned signature (ideally the original) and several signatures or writings by the same person whose authorship is not in dispute, from around the same date: ID card, contracts, deeds, letters. These are known as known specimens or exemplars.
Can it be done from a photocopy?
A preliminary study can be carried out, but the conclusions will be limited: a copy does not allow pressure, ink or fine strokes to be examined. Firm conclusions require the original.
How long does an expert report take?
It depends on the number of documents. I give you the turnaround time in writing in the quote.
Tell me about your case
I'll tell you what material is needed and what can be concluded, in strict confidence.