Whether you need proof of the authorship of a signature or handwriting, you require the services of a forensic science expert. For court purposes or just for peace of mind, use a handwriting analysis forensics expert who will provide the very best form of evidence.
Explore our comprehensive range of forensic document and investigation services.
When it comes to forensic handwriting analysis, our experts provide unparalleled insight into the world of signature forensics, ensuring every nuance of the writing is thoroughly analysed.
When it comes to establishing the legitimacy of a signature or identifying the author of a handwritten document, forensic handwriting analysis plays an indispensable role. This analytical method goes beyond the ordinary to provide you with:
Understanding the methodology, requirements, and standards of forensic handwriting analysis to ensure reliable and court-admissible evidence.
The rules of evidence in Australia usually prevent a non-expert person from giving opinion evidence on matters that are considered to be outside of that person's everyday experience as the opinion may be unreliable.
The forensic handwriting analysis research conducted over the last 20 years into the opinions of handwriting/signature comparison experts versus the opinion of laypersons suggests that experts consistently give more reliable opinions. This does not mean that the experts have been proven to be error-free witnesses but merely more reliable than lay witnesses.
Most inquiries regarding signature and handwriting comparisons typically fall into these two categories: a disputed signature on a formal document such as a will, financial agreement or contract, or handwriting on a document where the content is important for proving an issue.
A variation is where there is a collection of signatures or handwriting samples which may be used to prove the likelihood of an issue if it can be shown that the same person wrote all of the signatures/handwriting.
LIKE-to-LIKE: It is usually essential to compare "like to like", e.g. cursive to cursive, uppercase to uppercase and lowercase letters to lowercase letters. It is also normally essential to compare handwriting to handwriting and NOT handwriting to a signature.
CONTEMPORANEOUS: It is best to compare a writing sample written at approximately the same date, as handwriting can change over time or due to injury.
A signature or piece of handwriting written by an unknown author is described as "questioned". It is compared against the usual or "specimen" signatures or handwriting of a known writer. A sufficient quantity of specimens is required for a reasonably conclusive result.
When examining specimens, it is important to have a sufficient quantity of samples that will reveal the usual parameters of natural variation that all writers display in their handwriting.
The majority of local Government-employed experts use a methodology created in Australia that has 5 levels of opinion, which include two types of definite conclusions (one for a proposition whilst the other is against), two that are not definite but qualified and one that is inconclusive.
The important feature of handwriting and signature comparisons is that the general forensic handwriting analysis process can be measured to enable identification of the likelihood of the chance of error.
Inconclusive forensic handwriting analysis opinions are usually given where there is an insufficient number of specimen samples to assess natural variation, insufficient number of questioned samples to allow enough features to be compared, insufficient complexity of either specimen or questioned writings, or low-quality copies that do not allow observation of important comparable features.
Our forensic handwriting analysis experts have extensive experience examining various types of documents across multiple legal and personal contexts.
We examine a wide range of legal and financial documents including wills, contracts, financial agreements, legal documents, and questioned signatures.
Our experts have extensive experience in civil hearings and criminal trials, providing expert testimony that meets the highest standards of forensic document examination.
We analyze personal documents such as correspondence, diaries, employment documents, educational qualifications, and passports to determine authenticity and authorship.
Our forensic handwriting analysis can help verify the legitimacy of documents used in personal disputes, employment matters, and educational verification.
We examine threat notes, crime scene evidence, and graffiti to identify authors and provide evidence for criminal investigations and security matters.
Our expertise in forensic handwriting analysis helps law enforcement and security professionals identify suspects and gather evidence for criminal proceedings.
Whether you need proof of the authorship of a signature or handwriting, you require the services of a forensic science expert. For court purposes or just for peace of mind, use a handwriting analysis forensics expert who will provide the very best form of evidence.
Our forensic document examination services cover all types of documents, ensuring comprehensive analysis and reliable results for your case.
Lyonswood's lead forensic handwriting expert brings unparalleled experience and qualifications to every case, ensuring the highest standards of forensic document examination.
Lyonswood's lead forensic handwriting expert is the former Commander of the Document Examination Section of the NSW Police Forensic Services Group. He was Commander when this Laboratory successfully earned retention of accreditation as a forensic laboratory with the National Association of Testing Authorities Australia in 2007 and 2010.
He has an impressive quarter-century of experience with the courts, firstly as a Police Prosecutor and then Forensic Document Examination expert.
He was a teacher and author of the curriculum in Forensic Document Examination at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) from 2009 to 2012.
Qualifications include a post-graduate Diploma in Information Management (UNSW), Diploma in Forensic Investigation (CIT), Diploma in Forensic Document Examination (CIT); as well as a fellowship of the Australasian College of Biomedical Scientists and membership of the Australasian Society of Forensic Document Examiners, both of which require peer review for admission.
He has presented at workshops, seminars and conferences including audiences from the Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions and the Sydney University Forensic Medicine and Science Network.
Our expert's extensive experience and recognition in the field ensures that every forensic handwriting analysis meets the highest professional standards and is accepted by courts across Australia.
Our forensic document examination services have helped clients resolve inheritance disputes, prove document authenticity, identify authors of threatening letters, and provide crucial evidence in family law and criminal cases.
We combine traditional forensic handwriting analysis techniques with modern technology to deliver reliable, court-admissible evidence for your case.
At Lyonswood, we understand that not every investigative need can be met with forensic handwriting analysis. That's why we offer a wide range of private investigation services to meet the needs of our clients.
Our experienced surveillance team can conduct surveillance in a variety of settings, from public places to private homes.
Comprehensive background screening to verify information and uncover hidden details about individuals or businesses.
Dive deep into the digital footprints and retrieve crucial data from computers and mobile devices.
Comprehensive investigations for commercial disputes, corporate fraud, and legal matters.
Signature and handwriting analyses are powerful tools in the world of forensic science. At Lyonswood, our expertise in forensic handwriting analysis, combined with a suite of complementary services, ensures that every inquiry receives an in-depth investigative approach. Whatever your requirements, trust Lyonswood to deliver evidence you can rely on.
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