Handwriting Identification

Handwriting identification of a disputed signature or forgery utilizes a comparative examination by a document examiner of individualizing, writing-characteristics: those writing habits that are unique to a certain writer. A combination of a sufficient number of similar characteristics and an absence of fundamental, unexplainable differences can lead to an opinion which identifies a writer. Signature verification by a handwriting expert can be a crucial piece of information in determining authorship.

Gathering sufficient comparison writing for a handwriting examiner is critical in aiding an identification. Quality copies of known writing, and originals when they are available, are often sufficient specimens for comparison that help the examination. If an identification cannot be made, often an elimination - who did not author the disputed writing - can be made by the handwriting analyst.