Separate what is known from what is assumed
State where and in what position the document was signed, if this is known from a reliable source. Information about an awkward writing support, an unfamiliar writing instrument or the person's condition should be accompanied by an explanation of its provenance. An assumption made by a party to the dispute is not equivalent to a documented fact.
Do not select specimens solely for their visual similarity
The expert needs materials reflecting the signature's natural variation, rather than only examples that visually resemble the disputed signature. Comparability in time and conditions, quality and the documents' provenance matter. The specific set of free and other specimens is agreed for the task.
Preserve the original without intervention
Tracing over strokes, writing beside the signature, lamination and attempts at erasure can alter the material. Documents are submitted with their condition preserved and known damage described. If only a copy is available, the features actually accessible for examination are assessed separately.
What to prepare
- The entire disputed document, in the original if possible.
- Specimens with known provenance and dates.
- Information about the conditions of execution, without conjecture.
- A description of the document's copying, storage and damage.
- Questions about the writer and conditions within the capabilities of the method.
What to bear in mind
A single unusual-looking signature cannot automatically establish an illness, coercion or a particular condition of the person. Such hypotheses require independent grounds and an assessment of competence.
Outcome of preliminary preparation
Organising the materials helps assemble a comparable set of documents and discuss in advance which conclusions are possible with the available quality and quantity of material.
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