Forensic Questioned Document Examination

The Science of Handwriting as Evidence

Forensic document examination for questioned handwriting, signature authenticity, and authorship disputes, designed to support litigation and other legal review.

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Qualified Document Examiners

Specialized forensic examiners trained in signatures, handwriting, and questioned-document analysis.

Court-Qualified Nationwide

Examiners have presented testimony in federal and state courts across the United States.

Extensive Testimony & International Experience

Examiners have presented testimony on 1,000+ occasions, including across more than 30 states and internationally.

Services

What We Examine

Every opinion is based on side-by-side comparison, documented observations, and established forensic methodology. We assess writing quality, line construction, rhythm, spacing, pen pressure, and other measurable characteristics to support clear, defensible conclusions for legal and investigative use.

I.

Authorship Determination

We compare questioned writing against verified standards to determine whether a specific person wrote the disputed text. This includes signatures, hand printing, cursive writing, marginal notes, endorsements, and brief annotations. Examinations address both natural variation and writing conditions so conclusions are grounded in objective feature comparison.

II.

Forgery Detection

We evaluate disputed signatures and handwriting for signs of tracing, simulation, disguise, and freehand forgery. Analysis focuses on line quality, unnatural hesitations, pen lifts, retouching, blunt starts and stops, and structural inconsistencies. Findings distinguish genuine execution from non-genuine writing attempts.

III.

Anonymous Document Analysis

Anonymous letters, threat communications, and disputed notes are examined to identify authorship indicators and narrow potential writer pools. We assess class and individual characteristics, linguistic habits reflected in writing form, and consistency with known standards. Results can support investigative direction and evidentiary strategy.

IV.

Alterations & Additions

We identify additions, substitutions, erasures, and interlineations made after original execution. Examinations include sequence-of-strokes analysis, writing instrument differentiation, and physical/optical document inspection. When appropriate, ink and timing-related questions are assessed through available forensic methods and supporting laboratory resources.

V.

Wills & Probate Disputes

In probate and estate matters, we examine wills, codicils, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations for authenticity concerns. We assess questioned signatures, suspicious writing changes, and execution-related irregularities. Reports are tailored for counsel handling contested estate and fiduciary disputes.

VI.

Expert Reports & Testimony

We provide clear written reports designed for attorney review, motion practice, mediation, and trial preparation. Opinions explain methodology, observations, and limitations in a format usable by courts and opposing experts. Qualified examiners are available for deposition and testimony when litigation requires live expert support.

Lead Document Examiner

Erich J. Speckin

Erich J. Speckin is a forensic document examiner whose practice includes questioned handwriting, signature authentication, alterations, and related document issues. He has provided expert analysis and testimony in federal and state proceedings nationwide.

Handwriting examination matters for this site are coordinated through Speckin Forensic Laboratories, where examiners maintain extensive courtroom experience and adhere to established forensic methodology.

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Our Credentials

Experience Built on Decades of Scientific Rigor

Forensic handwriting examination is a discipline that demands both scientific methodology and deep practical experience. Our examiners have performed thousands of examinations and have been tested in courts across the country.

We follow established forensic science methodology, and our conclusions are always grounded in what the physical evidence supports.

The examination of handwriting is not a matter of opinion — it is a science of observation, comparison, and reasoned conclusion.
— Forensic Document Examination Principle

  • Specialized handwriting and signature examiners within Speckin Forensic Laboratories
  • Testimony on 1,000+ occasions in federal and state matters
  • Lead examiner profile: Erich J. Speckin
  • Conclusions based on evidence and scientific methodology
  • Work coordinated with legal teams and counsel
Litigation context

Selected matters & court outcomes

Court filings and opinions below are hosted on this site as downloaded copies for convenience. Past results do not guarantee a particular outcome in any new matter.

Aaron Benay et al. v. Warner Bros. Entertainment — The Last Samurai litigation.
Federal litigation · “The Last Samurai” rights

Aaron Benay, et al. v. Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc., et al.

Erich J. Speckin, Dr. Julie Howenstine, and Michael Sinke were retained in a dispute over movie rights to “The Last Samurai.” The matter involved determining the source of anonymous letters sent during litigation. Document examination indicated cut-and-paste fabrication. DNA from envelopes and processed fingerprints further supported identification of the sender. After submission of forensic reports, the client was awarded summary judgment.

Stephen Slessinger v. The Walt Disney Company — Winnie the Pooh matter.
Superior Court of California · Los Angeles County

Stephen Slessinger vs. The Walt Disney Company (Winnie the Pooh)

The court granted terminating sanctions, in part for altering documents submitted to the court. Testimony of Erich J. Speckin addressed photocopy manipulation, alteration, and page substitution; the court relied on and agreed with that analysis.

Client: O’Melveny & Myers — Daniel Petrocelli, Justin Goldstein; The Walt Disney Company, Los Angeles, CA. Opposing experts included A. Frank Hicks (among others).

Contact

Submit Your Case for Review

We accept referrals from attorneys, courts, financial institutions, government agencies, and individuals. All matters are handled in the strictest confidence. We are happy to discuss your case before formal engagement.

Handwriting examination services are fulfilled by Speckin Forensic Laboratories. For telephone inquiries: (517) 349-3528 (Lansing, MI) or (954) 763-6134 (Hollywood, FL). See Erich J. Speckin for background, or download CV (PDF).