Elisabeth Briggs
Hannah Pocock
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.
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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.
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Digital images or photographs are acceptable for this initial assessment.
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Note: A standard "office quality" scan is unlikely to be suitable for a full forensic examination.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Contact Details: Your full contact information and any relevant deadlines or court dates.
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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.
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Document Schedule: A clear list of all submitted documents, categorised into those of disputed origin and those of known origin.
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Previous Examinations: Details and copies of reports from any other handwriting experts previously involved in the case.
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Terms and Authority: Confirmation of your agreement to our fees and terms, including any prior authority from the Legal Aid Agency (LAA).
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Instructions for a Single Joint Expert must be agreed upon by both parties.
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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.
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​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:
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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.
