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Fees and Timescales

QD Examiners Limited provides clear, transparent fees and turnaround times for handwriting analysis and forensic document examination. Estimates are provided before instruction, with options for Legal Aid, urgent casework and fixed budgets where appropriate.

How much does a handwriting expert cost?
The cost of forensic handwriting examination varies depending on the nature of the case, the number of documents and the complexity of the comparison. Work is typically charged on an hourly basis, and an estimate is provided before formal instructions are accepted.
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How long does a case take?
Most cases are completed within approximately 2 - 3 weeks from receipt of all necessary documents, although timescales may vary depending on complexity and urgency.
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Contact us for initial advice prior to instruction.

Fees

  • Please provide brief details about the examination required, with copies of documents by email, if possible.

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  • An estimate of cost based on an hourly rate will be provided before formal instructions are accepted.

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  • The estimate will include the full examination and preparation of a peer-reviewed, court-compliant report. 

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  • The estimate and Terms of Business must be accepted in writing before the examination is started. 

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  • Occasionally it may be possible to agree a budget for a case, or to provide staged invoices. This must be agreed in advance. 

Payment

  • An invoice will be provided once the examination and report are complete.

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  • Payment is required within 30 days or according to the terms of instruction.

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  • Instructions are occasionally accepted from private individuals; in such cases, full payment is requested in advance of the examination. 

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  • Payment is required by bank transfer or cheque; card payments cannot be accepted. 

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  • For solicitors it is requested that payment is obtained on account from the client at the time of instruction, to avoid any delays in settling the final invoice.

Timescales

  • The turnaround for cases is approximately 2 - 3 weeks from receipt of instructions and all necessary documents.

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  • We will aim to meet court deadlines; please provide a copy of any relevant court orders as soon possible.

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  • Urgent casework may be accepted, subject to an increased hourly rate.

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  • A retainer fee may be requested for cases requiring a 24 - 48 hour turnaround. 

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