Handwriting Analysis You know that you didn’t write your name on that final dotted line accepting the acquisition of a $3000 king-size bed that moves up and down and even has temperature controls for both you and your “passenger”. But the signature on the statement sure looks like yours! And, the two big fellows hauling the bed out of their truck do not appear to be interested in putting it back in — or arguing about it.
Years ago, on a Perry Mason television show, the good lawyer told his client that it was necessary to have a qualified handwriting expert look at the document. In the next scene, a bespectacled, mustachioed, dignified-appearing man walked into the room, blinked his eyes at the document for one and a half seconds and said, “Yes, indeed it is a forgery!” Just like that!
Claudia Rose, a forensic expert, is pulled into an investigation to prove that a former classmate’s suicide note was not real. Her partner claims that she just wouldn’t kill herself; most others agreed–they figured she’d be murdered before she’d ever committed suicide! This is a great beginning to a new series. Sheila Lowe is a professional in the field and has several nonfiction books to her credit.
Scenario: You just received a copy of your Mom’s will and believe that your sister wrote it and attempted to copy your Mom’s handwriting and signature on it. Not only that, but it really looks good! You could not imagine how much her handwriting looks like your mom’s. But, you know that your Mom never would have written a will that left you $2 and the stuffed family monkey– not to mention bequeathing everything else to your sister.
The first thing a client will ask when there is a need for professional Document Examination is, “How much does it cost?” The Document Examiner usually uses forensic guidelines to determine the fee. However, a glance at what other Document Examiners are charging is a good idea so that the costs fall into a perimeter that doesn’t discourage the client from calling back.
A sorry economy will have Uncle Will and Aunt Nelly checking the attic for that letter they said that they had received in 1963 when Rose Kennedy thanked them for the Masses they said they had their priest say for the soul of President John Kennedy. Why, it probably is worth quite a bit of dough right now! And, look at it this way — keeping the letter will not bring either Rose of John back so it is time to share it, and, possibly even cash in on it.