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How we work

Contact us for initial advice prior to instruction.

Stage 1: Initial Enquiry

Please provide a brief overview of the circumstances of the case and identify the documents in dispute. We do not require the full background of the matter at this initial stage. 

We prefer to view copies of the documents by email first. This allows us to assess their suitability for comparison before you send any original material.

  • Digital images or photographs are acceptable for this initial assessment.

  • Note: A standard "office quality" scan is unlikely to be suitable for a full forensic examination.

Following this review, we will advise you on the required sample documents and provide a formal quotation for the examination and report, with expected time frames.

This initial advice is limited to procedures and suitability of documents; it does not constitute a preliminary expert opinion on the outcome or strength of the evidence.

Please note that court attendance will be subject to additional charges. 

Stage 2: Case Submission

When submitting your formal instructions, please include the following information:

  • Contact Details: Your full contact information and any relevant deadlines or court dates.

  • Case Circumstances: A summary including the names and ages of all writers, along with any relevant medical conditions or factors that may have influenced the writing.

  • Document Schedule: A clear list of all submitted documents, categorised into those of disputed origin and those of known origin.

  • Previous Examinations: Details and copies of reports from any other handwriting experts previously involved in the case.

  • Terms and Authority: Confirmation of your agreement to our fees and terms, including any prior authority from the Legal Aid Agency (LAA).

Instructions for a Single Joint Expert must be agreed upon by both parties.

Postage

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Please use Royal Mail Special Delivery post to ensure full tracking and provide us with the tracking reference number immediately upon posting.​

Stage 3: Documents Required

Original documents must be submitted, whenever they are available.

If scans are necessary, they must be at least 300dpi (high resolution) and saved as image files (e.g., JPEG, TIFF) rather than compressed PDFs.

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It is vital to preserve the physical integrity of all evidence. To protect the documents, please observe the following:

  • Avoid Damage: Do not add unnecessary folds, stickers, tape, or staples.

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  • Prevent Impressions: Be careful not to create new indented impressions by writing on paper placed on top of the evidence.

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  • Safe Packaging: Place documents between two pieces of stiff card. Address and write on the envelope before placing the documents inside.

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  • Environment: Avoid exposing documents to dampness, extreme light or other harsh environments.

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