Ten Things to Know About Questioned Documents

Ten Things to Know About Questioned Document Examination ProcessBy Joseph Zarek, FDE, HE, SA

1. Gather up all the documents you want examined

Submit a minimum of 5-25 documents for document examiner to examine and compare to your questioned document. This will reveal natural variation of author and strengthen their professional opinion.

2. Locate a Forensic Document Examiner

Document examiners do not have use the same processing standard when examining documents.
Make sure what they do is repeatable by other document examiner.

Ask your attorney for recommendations. Check your telephone book or Yellow Pages. Search the Internet using words such as "Forensic Document Examiner, or Questioned Documents, forgery."

3. College Degrees and Certification are not required for this job

While it is not uncommon for document examiners to hold degrees and certificates, there is no prerequisite. At a minimum, forensic document examiners participate in a 2-3 year apprenticeship.

4. A professional opinion can be provided to you within 24-48 hours

Be aware most competent professionals are able to provide an opinion 24-48 hour after you submit documents to them. If they still have no opinion after 2 weeks what you sent them, find yourself another professional who can.

5. Know that it takes 2-4 hours on average to examine any one document

A through process may include, 24-or more separate areas examined on each document. Because there is no standardized process in the field, it is important whatever process is used is repeatable by any other document examiners.

6. Understand this is not a free service

A good faith retainer fee is paid. Rates will vary, and higher amounts do not guarantee the best professional is working for you; only the most expensive.

7. Be aware this service is not legal advice

Document Examiners are not lawyers and cannot provide legal advice. What they will do is provide a professional opinion on questioned documents they examine, and are able to present their findings in a court of law.

For legal advice, always consult an attorney.

8. Make sure you do not alter any documents you submit

Help yourself and the document examiner by providing them original documents when available.

First and second generation copies may be used during an examination. Understand, each successive copy will lose 1% of resolution.

9. Do not send portions of signatures or parts of documents

A document examiner provides you a professional opinion on what they examine. Opposing side can also access the same documents for examination. Ensure all documents you provide are examined unaltered.

10. Know what to expect after you submit documents

You will receive a professional opinion within 24-48 hours.

You will receive either a Verbal or Written Opinion.

A document examiner will share with you one of nine professional opinions that range from 100% identification, to 100% elimination.

Findings should be repeatable and presentable in court.

Not everyone requires a forensic document examiner. When you do, know the truth will be revealed while bringing you peace of mind in the process.