Do I Need Original Documents or Are Scans or Photocopies Fine for a Handwriting Case?
When it comes to forming a strong opinion on the authenticity of a signature, two things matter above all else: quality and quantity of evidence. So if you give us originals and you give us lots and lots of originals, I can do my job faster. Your bill goes down, and I can get to the truth because I have lots and lots of evidence, and I can also defend my findings against a cross-examining attorney who might argue the evidence was insufficient.
When Originals Aren’t Available
So the answer is yes, you want to have as many originals as you can, but here’s the truth. Not every case has originals. If you’re dealing with a will or a marriage certificate from 1972, it’s very possible the only copy is at the county courthouse, and it’s either a photocopy or on microfiche.
In one case, I examined a marriage certificate from Mexico City dated 1959. All that existed was whatever remained in the county records. In most cases, we don’t get originals these days. We just want the best available evidence.
So it changes a lot, but overall, if your scan is high resolution, you can get a valid opinion. And when I say valid opinion, it means an opinion that will stand up in court. There are actually different levels of opinion. One of those opinions is inconclusive, and that’s a terrible outcome.
An inconclusive result is technically still an opinion, but it serves no one. My goal is always to reach a definitive conclusion—authentic or not—and the only way to do that reliably is with sufficient handwriting samples.
How to Get Your Case Started Quickly
So that’s the answer to that question. Yes, we can work with the scan. We want to start with the scan so we can get to your case without waiting 7 or 8 days for you to ship it or deliver it to us. We can form an opinion with a copy. If the copy is good, our opinion will be stronger. And all the other documents can also be copies, scans, or photocopies.
We’ve handled many cases with just photocopies. Ideal evidence and best available evidence aren’t always the same thing, but you work with what you have, and a skilled examiner will get as much as possible out of whatever you can provide.
If you have documents you’d like us to review, don’t wait for the perfect evidence to materialize. Send us what you have. We’ll tell you honestly whether it’s enough to work with and what, if anything, we still need. Reach out to us at handwritingexpertusa.com. The first consultation is free.
Bart Baggett
The Nation’s Leading Forensic Handwriting Expert
CEO of Handwriting Experts Inc.
Forensic Document Examiner • Expert Witness • Legal Consultant
“We solve million-dollar forgery cases.”
Telephone: 1-800-980-9030
YouTube: @thehandwritingexpert
LinkedIn: bartbaggett
Facebook: bartbaggett
https://www.instagram.com/forensichandwritingexpert
https://www.tiktok.com/@handwritingexpertsinc
—————————————————————-
FAQ
—————————————————————-
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a forensic handwriting examiner form a valid opinion from a photocopy or scan?
Yes. If the scan is high resolution, a valid opinion — one that will stand up in court — can be reached. The quality of the copy directly affects the strength of the conclusion.
What happens if there are no original documents available for a handwriting case?
Many cases involve only photocopies, microfiche, or courthouse records. A skilled forensic examiner works with the best available evidence and can still reach a professional opinion in most situations.
What does an inconclusive result mean in a forensic handwriting case?
An inconclusive result is technically still an opinion, but it serves no one. The goal is always to reach a definitive conclusion — authentic or not — which requires sufficient handwriting samples and quality evidence.
How can I get my handwriting case started quickly without waiting to ship original documents?
Submit your scans or copies right away. Starting with a scan allows the examiner to begin your case without the 7–8 day delay of shipping originals. If the copy is good quality, the resulting opinion will be strong.
