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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 the documents that are in dispute. At this preliminary stage, we do not need a full background history of the matter. 

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Initially, we prefer to view copies of the documents by email. This allows us to assess their suitability for comparison before you send any original items.

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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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We will then advise you on what sample documents are required for a comparison and provide you with an estimate for the work and a time frame for the report.

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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.

Stage 2: Case Submission

Once you are ready to proceed, please include the following in your email or letter of instruction:

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  • Full contact details for the instructing party.

  • Brief circumstances of the case, including the names and ages of all writers and any relevant medical conditions or influencing factors.

  • Schedule of documents submitted, including dates. Please indicate clearly which documents are in dispute and which are genuine/comparisons. 

  • Details of examinations carried out by any other handwriting experts including copies of their reports.

  • Any relevant deadlines or court dates.

  • Confirmation that you agree to the fees and terms.

  • Confirmation of any prior authority from the LAA.

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Where instructions are to be given on a single joint expert basis, these must be agreed by both parties.

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Postage

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Please use Royal Mail Special Delivery post to ensure full tracking. Please provide us with the tracking reference number as soon as the items have been posted.​

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Attendance at court, if required, is subject to additional charges.

Stage 3: Documents Required

Original documents must be submitted, where available.

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Digital Scans

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If submitting scans for examination, 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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Packaging & Preservation

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  • Please preserve the integrity of all documents and avoid making any markings or annotations.

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  • Do not introduce any new folds, stickers, tape, staples or indented impressions of writing.

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  • Place the documents between two pieces of card and write on the envelope before you place them inside.

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  • Protect the documents from extreme lighting, damp or strong odours.

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