One of the most common questions we get when a new client calls is “How long does it take to complete a handwriting examination? “And the answer is always… it depends. It depends on whether we have all the documents on day one or we have to wait 14 days for the client to go dig through boxes and into the attic and go to bank boxes and get all the samples, because what we really need is the evidence and then that evidence really organized.

So the basic case would be, “Okay, here is a last will and testament.” We don’t know whether or not this individual, this decedent, wrote and signed what they call a holographic will. It’s a basic case, right? So, how long does that take?

If I could go to the courthouse tomorrow and look at it, well, then I may have an opinion the same day because I’ve already had time to look at the analysis, but that’s usually not happened. In California, you have to get a judge to sign off on a third-party person looking at and handling an original document. In Texas, you do not. In Florida and New York, the rules are different.

But if you don’t have originals and you can email those or upload them to my staff, we can normally turn a case around in about 7 to 14 days, as long as everything is organized and printed. My part of it—I’m really fast. Like, I’ve been doing this for a long, long time. So when things are organized, maybe I’m only spending four or six hours, you know, on the case from start to finish, but that’s normally over a two- or three- or seven-day time period, depending on how quickly you get documents.

So, how long does it take? Listen, man. It takes as long as it takes to get the right answer, to get the honest truth. Writing the report, making exhibits, and consulting the attorney can all take extra time.

I would say this: if you have a lawsuit and you’re considering hiring me or someone like myself, a forensic witness, do yourself a favor and give them a three-month window, give them enough time to investigate, to get all the documents, and to organize things, because even if you do get an opinion, you’re probably a month away from trial. Most trials that get booked end up getting rebooked again because someone has the opportunity or someone doesn’t continue it.

So the trials are really long, you know. I’ve got a case, I think that was in 2021, that is finally going to court next week in Florida. So it’s almost 5 years. So sometimes it takes that long, especially those cases during CO.

So it takes as long as it takes, but I would really suggest, if you want to save money, to give yourself about three weeks, because if you do a rush like, “Hey, here are the documents. I have to be in court tomorrow,” everyone in this industry is going to charge you double, which means they’re going to charge you twice as much as you would get paid normally, because we have to drop everything and have my staff work overtime and work on the weekends to get you an opinion, to get you the lab reports, to get you the notes, and of course, to get you ready for testimony. It’s a lot of work.

So, you’re going to pay double if you don’t give enough time for an expert to do their job.

Hey, my name is Bart Baggett. If you need some help with any of these forensic cases, we do this all the time. We have experts in other cities, and we’ll be glad to help you with your case. Just go to www.handwritingexpertusa.com.  Call one of our experts, and I’ll be glad to help you out. 

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
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FAQ
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Q1: How long does a forensic handwriting examination typically take?
A: Most cases can be turned around in 7 to 14 days, provided all documents are organized and submitted promptly. The examiner’s hands-on analysis may only take four to six hours, but the full process — including report writing, exhibits, and attorney consultation — extends the overall timeline.

Q2: Do I need to provide original documents for a handwriting examination?
A: Originals are preferred but not always required. In some states, such as California, a judge must sign off before a third party can handle original documents. In others, like Texas, that requirement does not apply. When originals are unavailable, high-quality scanned or uploaded copies can be used to begin the examination.

Q3: What happens if I need a rush forensic handwriting examination?
A: Rush cases — where an opinion is needed within a day or two — typically cost twice the standard rate. Examiners must drop existing work, require staff overtime, and prioritize lab reports and testimony preparation on an accelerated schedule. Planning ahead avoids this added expense.

Q4: How far in advance should I hire a forensic handwriting expert for a lawsuit?
A: It is strongly recommended to engage an expert at least three months before your anticipated trial date. This allows adequate time to collect and organize all documents, conduct the full examination, write the report, and prepare for testimony. Trials are frequently rescheduled, so building in a buffer protects both the client and the expert.