8 Mistakes That Can Damage Your Handwriting Case (and How to Avoid Them)
When a signature is in question, every choice you make from that moment forward can strengthen—or quietly sabotage—your case.
Most people, including attorneys, don’t realize how fragile handwriting evidence can be. The wrong scan, the wrong comparison sample, or even the wrong assumption can undermine the entire examination.
After six years in the field, here are the eight mistakes I see most often—and how to avoid them.
⸻
1. Relying on Low-Quality Photos or Screenshots
This is the most common problem.
A blurry screenshot loses critical line detail, making proper evaluation impossible.
Avoid it:
Provide high-resolution scans (300–600 DPI), straight-on images, and no shadows. If you’re unsure how to capture the document, email my office and we’ll guide you step-by-step.
⸻
2. Sending the Wrong Comparison Samples
Clients often send random signatures that look “similar.”
But forensic comparison is scientific, not aesthetic.
Avoid it:
Comparison samples must be:
• Authentic
• Contemporary (same time period)
• Similar purpose (checks to checks, deeds to deeds, contracts to contracts)
• Written under similar physical conditions
Good samples strengthen conclusions; bad samples weaken them.
⸻
3. Altering, Highlighting, or Marking the Document
People often circle the signature, crop it, or use editing apps to “point things out.”
This destroys context and may render the sample unusable.
Avoid it:
Send the document as is. Don’t annotate, crop, filter, or mark anything.
⸻
4. Delaying the Examination While Waiting for Originals
Cases often stall because someone thinks the expert must see the original first.
Not true.
High-quality copies allow the examination to begin immediately, and originals can be reviewed later if needed.
Avoid it:
Start with what you have. Time is often more damaging than the document itself.
⸻
5. Assuming a Handwriting Expert and a Graphologist Are the Same Thing
They are not.
Graphology interprets personality.
Forensic document examination determines authorship and authenticity.
Courts reject graphology, but they admit forensic handwriting testimony.
Avoid it:
Always verify the examiner’s training, certification, and methodology.
⸻
6. Not Protecting Chain of Custody
Documents get passed between family members, attorneys, assistants, and even left in cars.
This invites challenges from opposing counsel.
Avoid it:
Store documents securely. Track who handled them. Scan immediately upon receipt.
⸻
7. Using “Practice Signatures” as Comparisons
People often try to replicate someone’s signature as a demonstration.
This is unusable and misleading.
Avoid it:
Only genuine historical signatures should be used.
⸻
8. Hiring the Wrong Expert
Anyone can claim to be a handwriting expert after a weekend course.
Courts are increasingly scrutinizing credentials.
Avoid it:
Look for an examiner with:
• Structured training
• Certification
• Peer review
• Court-ready methodology
• A track record of professional casework
• A recognized public presence that signals seriousness to opposing counsel
(Yes—that last part matters.)
⸻
The Bottom Line
A handwriting case is built on details that most people never think about.
The right expert can guide you—but avoiding these mistakes is the first step in protecting your outcome.
If you’re unsure whether your materials are suitable for examination, my office can review them and advise you on the most efficient path forward.
⸻
Ready for an evaluation?
📧 hello@tigerlilytaylor.com
📞 (214) 499-9876