Step 1
Please send scans of the disputed document and exemplars (if the latter are available) to FDE. This is important for case evaluation, to assess whether it is a viable case to pursue.
Step 2
Forensic signature and handwriting examinations are comparative in nature. Please provide the following if possible:
1. Complete original document containing the questioned signature and/or initials.
(Sometimes a site visit will be necessary to inspect an original will at the Master of the High Court’s office, or to inspect a disputed document at an attorney’s office).
2. Exemplars
(documents containing known or admitted signatures/initials/handwriting) for comparison purposes that meet certain important criteria:
Step 3
If you are struggling to obtain exemplars that meet the above-mentioned criteria, please go to Sources. This offers tips on where and how to obtain signatures of a deceased person.
Step 4
The forensic document examination service consists of the following options:
Fees are based on an hourly rate.
For certain projects a specific quotation can be provided, after submission of the questioned documents and the set of exemplars.
For larger projects, a retainer fee amounting to the first eight hours’ work is payable upon commission.
The final amount will depend on the type of report required, the amount of evidence to be examined and whether site visits to inspect documents are required.
My current hourly rate and a full fee schedule is available upon request. Please do not hesitate to contact me on andreals@telkomsa.co.za.